Family Asks Lawyers To Investigate Burton-On-Trent Dad’s Mesothelioma Death

The daughter of a former gas fitter who died from asbestos-related cancer is appealing to her dad’s colleagues for help in establishing how he fell ill with the disease.

Steve Fretwell, originally from Burton-on-Trent, died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously. It was only after the 73-year-old’s death that a post-mortem examination found he had the disease.

Asbestos-related disease lawyers look into former gas fitter's work history

Following Steve’s death in December 2023, his daughter Lynne Fretwell, 52, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether his exposure could be linked to his employment history.

Lynne has now joined her legal team in appealing to any of her dad’s former workmates to come forward with information on the conditions he would have faced during his time with the East Midlands Gas Board, between the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Nick Woods is the asbestos-related disease expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Lynne.

Expert Opinion

“Steve’s death from mesothelioma continues to have a profound impact on his loved ones, particularly Lynne who understandably remains devastated at losing her dad.

“What happened to Steve is also a vivid reminder of the terrible legacy left behind by asbestos, the effects of which often only become apparent many years after the initial contact.

“While nothing will bring Steve back, Lynne has many questions over how he became unwell. We’re determined to support her in obtaining the answers she deserves. We’d therefore be grateful to hear from anyone that worked with Steve. Any detail could prove vital to our investigation.” Nick Woods, Asbestos-Related Disease expert

Mesothelioma: Steve's story

Steve started as an apprentice gas fitter with the East Midlands Gas Board in 1967.  He fully qualified in 1971.

When Steve spoke of his employment, he explained that he would cut boards, believed to contain asbestos, to size for fireplaces on a daily basis.  He also feared he may have come into contact with the material when he was converting properties from town gas to natural gas.

Steve retired in 2015 and spent his time with his family, watching his grandchildren play football and travelling.

He began to feel unwell during a holiday in Kos with his wife Patricia, 71, in June 2023.He collapsed and spent 16 days in hospital in Athens, before being flown home, where he spent a further seven weeks in hospital.

That November, Steve was readmitted to hospital where he underwent tests.  He died on 20 December.  A post-mortem examination confirmed he had mesothelioma.

At the time of his death, Steve and Patricia had been married for 53 years.  As well as being parents to Lynne, the couple had two sons – Lee, 48, and David, 45 – and five grandchildren.

Heartbroken daughter pays tribute to dad

Lynne said: “When dad fell ill, we thought he maybe had some sort of chest infection and expected him to recover, but he deteriorated so quickly.  It was heartbreaking.

“While we were told it could be cancer the day before dad died it was still a huge shock when we found out it was mesothelioma.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult time for all the family, especially mum who has been totally heartbroken since we lost dad.  It was another blow when we heard that his work could be to blame for his illness.

“While there’s nothing we can do to turn back the clock and bring dad back, we’re determined to honour his memory by getting him some answers.

“Mum remembers that some of dad’s colleagues attended their wedding in 1970 We’d really appreciate it if anyone who remembers working with him could come forward. It would mean so much to our family.”

How you can help

Anyone with information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact Nick Woods at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 274 4292 or by e-mail at Nick.Woods@irwinmitchell.com

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.