Killingworth Family Ask Lawyers To Help Secure Answers Following Dad’s Mesothelioma Death

The daughter of a former civil servant who died from asbestos-related cancer is appealing to her dad’s former workmates for help in establishing how he came into contact with the substance that claimed his life.

Bryan Curtis, from Killingworth, died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung, associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, Bryan instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if his exposure could be linked to his work history. However, he died before he could see his case concluded.

Daughter continues dad’s search for answers

Following the 85-year-old’s death, his daughter Sharon is continuing her dad’s search for answers in his memory. To mark Action Mesothelioma Day, Sharon has now joined with the legal team in appealing for any of her dad’s old workmates to come forward with information on the working conditions he would have faced during his employment.

She is keen to trace anyone who remembers working with Bryan during his 42 years at the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance from 1956 to 1998. During that time Bryan was mainly based at the Longbenton office but also spent 10 years in Newcastle.

Helen Jones is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Bryan’s family.

Expert Opinion

“Bryan’s daughters and wider family are understandably still coming to terms with their loss and the circumstances surrounding it.

“Bryan’s death is another heartbreaking reminder of the legacy asbestos has left behind. While often associated with heavy industry, its use was so widespread that even office-based workers’ have not escaped its effects.

“Research undertaken by Irwin Mitchell has shown that asbestos was present in many public buildings throughout the country and the North East was no exception.

“While nothing can bring Bryan back, we’re determined to help his family continue his search for answers concerning his asbestos exposure.

“Bryan was a senior figure, known and respected by many people. The ministry was a major employer in the area so if any of Bryan’s former colleagues or those who worked at the site over the years could come forward it would mean a lot to the family and could prove vital in providing them with the answers they deserve.” Helen Jones

Mesothelioma: Bryan’s story

Bryan grew up in Heaton and attended the local grammar school, before leaving on completion of his A Levels to join the Civil Service.

Starting as an executive officer, by the time he retired, Bryan had been a principal or chief executor officer for 12 years, acting on behalf of the secretary of state.

The ministry employed more than 10,000 people and prior to his death, Bryan recalled reconfiguring the internal spaces and adding new wiring was a continuous process throughout his career.

Bryan also spent 10 years from 1972 to 1982 at Alfred Wilson House in Newcastle, when he was working on new pension schemes. He returned to Longbenton in 1982.

Bryan worked in several blocks during his career, including blocks 2 and 17. Before his death, he told his daughters he believed there had been an asbestos problem, discovered when a man cutting through walls severed some computer cables. Bryan believed that all 48 buildings in the complex may have contained asbestos.

A family man with a love of gardening and DIY

Bryan was a committed family man to his two daughters, Sharon, who lives in Nottingham and Lynda who lives in Devon and his seven grandchildren.

Bryan used to enjoy gardening and carrying out DIY. He always enjoyed going out for a walk and visiting the coast.

After developing breathlessness when walking and gardening in August/ September 2021, Bryan attended his GP and was sent for hospital tests. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2022 He died in April 2023.

Daughter pays tribute to a devoted dad

Sharon said: “Even now, it’s hard to believe that dad’s no longer with us. The reality still hasn’t sunk in. He was always so strong and capable it’s hard to believe he’s really gone.

“Dad was devoted to us and his grandchildren who were likewise devoted to him and miss him so much.

“When dad first told us he had asbestos-related cancer we couldn’t believe it. We knew he’d always been office based and it was a surprise to learn that asbestos was in such widespread use. Dad started to look into it but ran out of time.

“Now we want to finish what dad started and uncover the truth surrounding his asbestos exposure. He was a methodical and thorough man who didn’t like loose ends and this is something we’re keen to resolve in his memory.”

Anyone who can help Sharon is asked to contact Jasmine Heaton, at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 434 0797 or Jasmine.heaton@irwinmitchell.com

Action Mesothelioma Day campaigns to raise awareness of the incurable disease, remember those affected by it and help fund research into finding a cure. This year’s day is on 5 July.

Find out more about our expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0808 271 9815.