Loved One And Lawyers Seek Information On Wolverhampton Villiers Engineering Company Following Woman’s Mesothelioma Death

The family of a former PA from Coventry are appealing to her former workmates for help in establishing how she contracted the asbestos-related cancer which claimed her life.

Evelyn Ridley, from Corley, died a month after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos often decades previously.

Father and son ask lawyers to investigate Evelyn’s illness

Following the 87-year-old’s death, husband David Gazey, 90 years old, and son, Mark Gazey, 59 years old, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate Evelyn’s (also known as Eve) illness and if it could be linked to her work history.

Action Mesothelioma Day is 5 July

Ahead of this year’s Action Mesothelioma Day on 5 July, David and Mark have now joined with their legal team in appealing for anyone who worked with Evelyn to come forward and provide information on the conditions she worked under during her career.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside Evelyn when she was PA to the Sales Director and Joint Managing Director at Villiers Engineering Company Ltd, a motorcycle manufacturer, on Marston Road, Wolverhampton between 1955 and 1964. The company is no longer trading.

Jasmine Hunte is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer supporting David and Mark.

Expert Opinion

“Evelyn’s passing has left behind a family struggling to come to terms with her death and many unanswered questions regarding her asbestos exposure.

“While many people associate asbestos with heavy industry, its use was much more widespread and Evelyn’s death is another reminder of the dreadful legacy the hazardous material has created.

“David and Mark believe Evelyn was probably exposed to asbestos during her career, so if any of her former workmates could come forward, it could prove vital to the investigation.

“Nothing can make up for the pain they’re going through, but David, Mark, and their family would be hugely grateful to anyone who may be able to help. Details of the conditions Evelyn faced will go some way towards answering their questions and ensuring that her family can gain some form of closure following Evelyn’s death.” Jasmine Hunte

Mesothelioma: Evelyn’s story

Evelyn was heavily involved in all aspects of the firm, with her job taking her to many areas of the site. The office Evelyn worked in was located across from the engine machine shop and foundries where heavy engineering and manufacturing processes were carried out.

Evelyn recalled watching engine components being cast and manufactured. This included die casting, plating, and forges on the site for casting some of the components. In her role, Evelyn visited all parts of the factory, and supervisors came to her wearing their overalls. Evelyn recalled the workplace was a very dirty and dusty environment and her family believe there was probably a lot of asbestos on the site.

Evelyn married husband David in March 1964 and the couple had two children together, Mark, and his brother, Timothy Gazey. Evelyn and David enjoyed gardening together during their married life.

Evelyn began to develop symptoms, including shortness of breath, and was admitted to hospital in Coventry. Following medical investigations, Evelyn was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January, 2022 and died on 10 February, 2022.

Husband David pays tribute to ‘amazing wife and mother’

David said: “Evelyn was an amazing wife and mother. Even two years on, it’s so hard to accept she’s no longer with us. She was really smart and organised, which made her such a success in her chosen career, but she was also great fun to be around and a real people person.

“It’s said a lot, but she was one of those special people who brought out the best in everyone and while her employment with Villiers was a while ago now, I’m sure people will remember her.

“I know in 1959 Evelyn played a key role in organising the celebrations for the firm’s 100-year anniversary, which may jog someone’s memory. This event involved her liaising with all the different departments and working with people from across the business.

“Evelyn didn’t deserve to suffer in the way she did at the end and Mark and I are determined to find out how she was exposed to the asbestos that led to her death. If anyone out there could come forward, we’d really appreciate hearing from them. Their memories could help us find some answers and provide the key to Evelyn’s asbestos exposure.”

Anyone with information that could help David and Mark is asked to contact Jasmine Hunte at Irwin Mitchell on: 0121 214 5473 or email: Jasmine.Hunte@irwinmitchell.com

Action Mesothelioma Day brings together victims of the disease, those who have loved ones affected, healthcare professionals, support groups and those working to understand mesothelioma and find a cure. The day aims to ensure the public are also aware of the terrible impact mesothelioma can have on sufferers and their carers.

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.