Information Sought On Plumbing Firms Following Dad’s Mesothelioma Death

The family of a former plumber from Leeds are appealing for information from his former workmates following his death from asbestos cancer.

Phil Auty, from Birstall died weeks after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following the 78-year-old’s death, his wife, Deborah Auty, 57, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her husband’s illness and if it was linked to his work history.

Phil’s wife and legal team seek information on his working conditions

Deborah has joined with her legal team in warning of the danger still posed by asbestos. They’re also appealing to Phil’s old workmates to come forward with information on the working conditions he faced.

They are keen to hear from anyone who worked with Phil at J Foster and Sons, who were based in Birstall, from 1962 to 1963; R B Stead and Sons, based in Heckmondwike, from 1963 to 1968 and G. Rhodes & Sons, also based in Birstall, from 1968 to 1970 and Rushworth and Sharp Limited, also based in Heckmondwike, from 1968 to 1969. All companies appear to no longer be trading.

Expert Opinion

“Months on from Phil’s death, Deborah and the rest of her family remain devastated by their loss.

“Phil’s death is another reminder of the terrible legacy of asbestos and how its impact continues to be felt by families today. While nothing can bring Phil back, we’re determined to help Deborah find the answers she’s looking for concerning Phil’s asbestos exposure.

“If any of Phil’s former colleagues could come forward it would be greatly appreciated by Deborah and could help the family with the answers they are looking for.” Dominic Riley - Solicitor

Phil’s story

Born in Batley on 16 June, 1944, Phil moved to Birstall with his family aged eight.

After leaving school, Phil went to work to J Foster & Sons from tax years 1961/62 as an apprentice plumber based in Birstall. He remained for a year before transferring his plumbing apprenticeship to RB Stead and sons in 1963 and remained with them until 1968.

In 1968, Phil moved to G Rhodes & Sons and stayed with the firm until 1970.

Before his death Phil said that as part of his work he would be required to knock lagging, which he believed may have contained asbestos, off boilers and pipes using a hammer and his bare hands, if necessary. On other occasions, Phil told Deborah he would also be involved in replacing lagging on boilers and pipes.

Phil also told Deborah that he and his colleagues never wore masks or protective clothing and weren’t given any health and safety training.

Phil also said he would work in clouds of dust, made worse by dry sweeping up at the end of the day. The dust would be so bad, it would get everywhere, particularly in the eyes, that would become red and was particularly bad in enclosed areas such as ducts and underfloor sections.

Phil married Deborah in 1995 and the couple had two children together, Liam, 35 and Charlotte, 33. Phil also has had another son, Robert from a previous relationship and two brothers, Stuart, 81, Raymond, 80 and sister Linda, 73.

Phil started to feel unwell in the summer of 2022 and having consulted his GP, was sent for tests. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2022 and died a few months later, on 4 December, 2022.

Deborah pays tribute to her husband and seeks answers to honour his memory

Deborah said: “The shock of losing Phil still hasn’t really sunk in for any of us. It’s still so hard to believe he’s no longer here and there’s not a day passes by that I don’t think of him. I still expect to see him come walking through the door.

“From that terrible day when Phil received his diagnosis, everything happened so fast and a few months later, he was gone.

“Phil never got the chance to look into his exposure to asbestos. While nothing can ever male up for what’s happened, I at least now want to establish how he was exposed to asbestos and honour his memory. After all he did for me and the family, it’s the least I can do.

“If any of Phil’s workmates could come forward with what they recall, we’d be so grateful. Anything they can tell us could make all the difference in finally settling Phil’s story.”

Anyone with information that can help, is asked to contact Dominic Riley on dominic.riley@irwinmitchell.com or call 0113 394 6829.

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