Lawyers And Family Seek Information On Cyanamid Following Man’s Mesothelioma Death

An electrician’s mate’s widow is appealing to her husband’s former workmates to help identify where he encountered the asbestos that claimed his life.

Pete Hughes, from Gosport, Hampshire died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, Pete instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if it could be linked to his work history, but died before he could see his case concluded.

Wife and legal team seek information on Pete’s working conditions

Following the 74-year-old’s death, wife Sue, is continuing her husband’s search for answers in his memory. Sue, aged 72, has now joined with her legal team at Irwin Mitchell in appealing to Pete’s former workmates for information on the working conditions he would have faced.

Sue is particularly hoping to hear from anyone who remembers Pete from his time as an electrician’s mate at manufacturer Cyanamid of Great Britian in Gosport, from 1967 to 1970.

Expert Opinion

“Pete’s death is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created. Understandably his family remain devastated by his death and the circumstances surrounding it.

“Following his diagnosis, Pete started looking into how he was exposed to asbestos, but sadly died before he could discover the answers he was looking for. Sue is now continuing Pete’s search in his memory and we’re determined to do all we can to assist her in finding the truth she’s looking for.

“If any of Pete’s former workmates could come forward with their recollections, it would mean a lot to Sue and could make all the difference in securing the answers she deserves.” Nicola Maier, Asbestos-Related Disease lawyer

Mesothelioma: Pete’s working life

Pete went to work at Cyanamid Of Great Britain Ltd aged 18 in 1967 as an electrician’s mate. The firm’s main activities included the manufacture and sale of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, agricultural products and chemicals.

Prior to his death, Pete told Sue he’d be required to knock lagging off pipes during his time at Cyanamid. As the junior at the time, he recalled being given all the dirty and dusty jobs.

Pete said he would also be required to sweep up any dust and lagging that had been left behind. He left the firm in 1970.

A family man who loved to travel

Pete and Sue were together since 2003 and married on 7 May, 2011. Pete leaves behind three brothers, a son and daughter and 4 grandchildren as well as 3 step-daughters and a step-son, 10 step-grandchildren and 1 great grand-daughter.

Pete’s main hobbies were going to the local football matches and cricket matches and socialising with friends and family. Pete also enjoyed reading history books and maps.

Pete and Sue loved travelling abroad to Australia to see his brother and Sue’s family, and sight-seeing in Egypt and Sri Lanka and going on cruises. They also travelled all around England, Wales and Scotland together enjoying the sights and learning about the history of the area they stayed in.

They also enjoyed many days out in the New Forest, Swanage and Christchurch together and picnics with family. Pete and Sue also enjoyed going out for meals and to the cinema together along with local events and music festivals.

A popular man in the local community with a smile for everyone

Pete was a keen walker and was devoted to Cody, the couple’s dog. A popular man, with a smile and a joke for everyone, Pete made many friends in the community, especially when meeting other dog walkers, even in later years, when still taking Cody out using his mobility scooter.

Pete had enjoyed good health, until his retirement in 2018, when he began to experience medical problems. In December 2022, Pete began to experience shoulder pain, which was initially put down to a pulled muscle. However, the couple became concerned as Pete began to lose weight, was tired all the time and wasn’t himself.

Following medical tests he was given the devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma in February, 2023. He died in July 2023.

Sue pays tribute to her husband following asbestos death

Sue said: “Pete was an amazing man and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him or think about him. It’s still so hard for me and the family to accept he’s really gone.

“Pete was one of life’s good guys. A happy, go lucky man who always had a smile and made people laugh. Everybody loved Pete and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He was hard working and even when his health took a turn for the worse, he never complained. It was so cruel this happened as he retired but he still had a joke and his trademark smile for everyone he met.

“When the doctors told us Pete had mesothelioma, we just stared at one another in shock.

“Pete and I thought we had more time, but it wasn’t to be.

“I’m still distraught by what happened.

“Now feels like the time to complete Pete’s story and find the answers he wanted. He never asked for anything and I owe him that much. If anyone can help, it would mean so much to me and our family and allow Pete to rest in peace.”

Anyone with information that could help Sue, is asked to contact Nicola Maier at Irwin Mitchell on 02380 930 702 or email Nicola.Maier@IrwinMitchell.com

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