03.07.2024
Lawyers And Relatives Seek Information Following Man's Mesothelioma Death
The family of a former hospital maintenance worker are appealing to his ex-workmates for help to establish how he came into contact with the asbestos that claimed his life.
Ken Hale, from Kempsey, Worcester, died months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.
Wife and daughter call on lawyers to investigate Ken’s illness
Following the 87-year old’s death, his wife, Patricia, and daughter Rosalind, 58, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how Ken developed the disease and if it could be linked to his work history.
Ahead of Action Mesothelioma Day on 5 July, Patricia and Rosalind have now joined their legal team in appealing for anyone who worked with Ken to come forward and provide information on whether he may have been exposed to asbestos during his working life.
The are keen to hear from anyone who worked with Ken at the old Worcester Royal Infirmary on Castle Street. Ken was employed by the NHS and carried out carpentry work at the site from 1976 until his retirement in 1992.
Stephen Fitzwalter is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Patricia and Rosalind.
Expert Opinion
“This is sadly another case which puts the spotlight on the devastating impact of asbestos exposure, with the true consequences only becoming clear years after contact has taken place.
"Patricia, Rosalind and the rest of Ken's family remain devastated by his death. Understandably they have a number of questions regarding how Ken was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.
"Through our initial investigations, we're led to believe that Ken was probably exposed to asbestos when he repaired fire doors and when he removed old lagging from a boiler and it’s pipework.
“We're determined to support Patricia and Rosalind as they seek the answers to Ken’s asbestos exposure in his memory. They would be so grateful if anyone with information that could help could come forward and ensure the family gets the answers they deserve.” Stephen Fitzwalter
Mesothelioma: Ken's story
Ken married wife Patricia in 1957 and the couple had 3 children together, and subsequently 8 grandchildren.
Ken enjoyed making wooden toys for his children and also DIY. He and Patricia enjoyed camping, dancing and socialising with friends.
Ken had always enjoyed good health until he began showing symptoms, including a persistent cough, chest pain and shortness of breath in June 2023. Following tests Ken was diagnosed with mesothelioma on the 19 October 2023. He died on 29 February, 2024, with his family by his side.
Ken's wife calls on his former workmates to come forward
Patricia said: “The last few months since Ken’s passing have been terrible for me, Rosalind and the whole family. There’s not a day gone by that I haven’t thought of him and it’s so hard to accept that he’s really gone. It just hasn’t properly sunk in yet.
“Ken was a kind, generous and hard-working man who didn’t have a bad word for anyone. He didn’t deserve to have his last years cut short by this terrible disease. We’d never heard of mesothelioma when the doctors gave us the diagnosis but we now know too well how dreadful it is.
“If any of Ken’s old workmates could come forward, Patricia, Rosalind and myself would be so grateful to them. It could make all the difference and help us secure some answers over Ken’s asbestos exposure.”
Anyone with information which could help Patricia and Rosalind is asked to contact Stephen Fitzwalter at Irwin Mitchell on 07795 915 567 or email Stephen.Fitzwalter@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.
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