Dad Diagnosed With Mesothelioma Asks Lawyers To Investigate

A former banker from Dorset is appealing to his ex-colleagues for help after being diagnosed with terminal asbestos-related cancer.

Michael Bishopp from Christchurch, Dorset was diagnosed in January 2024 with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, the dad-of-4 instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if it could be linked to his work history.

Former banker appeals to his ex-workmates for help following his mesothelioma diagnosis

The 77-year-old has now joined with his legal team to appeal to any of his former workmates to come forward with their recollections of the conditions they worked under.

They are keen to trace anyone who worked with Michael, known as Mike, during his 40 years with Barclays Bank, in particular at the New Milton Branch in Station Road, from 1969- 1972. Mike is hoping to hear from those at the branch when significant alterations were being made in the early 1970’s.

Natalia Rushworth-White is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Mike.

Expert Opinion

“Mike and his family are understandably still shocked by his mesothelioma diagnosis and what this means for their future.

“While many people often associate asbestos with heavy industry, its use was widespread with the hazardous material being used in public buildings, including schools, hospitals, banks and offices.

“Mike is determined to uncover the truth about his asbestos exposure. We’re doing all we can to help in his search for answers and support him as he explores his treatment options.

“This is another case that shows how asbestos can impact people from a wide range of backgrounds and jobs and the devastation the substance can cause, often years after initial contact.

“Mike was employed by the bank for a long time and hopes that people will remember him. If anyone can come forward with their recollections, it would mean a lot to Mike and his family and could make all the difference in providing him with the answers he deserves.” Natalia Rushworth-White

Mesothelioma: Mike’s story

Mike went straight into banking as a 16-year-old school leaver in 1963. He retired in April 2003.

Mike worked for Barclays Bank from 1963 to 2003 and in 1969, Mike moved to Barclays’ New Milton Branch where from 1970 to 1971, he recalled significant alternations being made to the branch. Accommodation located upstairs was converted to make room for more office space.

Mike was required to work on the weekends for several weeks to supervise the building works and recalled that a significant amount of dust and debris was generated. He understood some of this material may have included asbestos from the old kitchens and bathrooms.

During the renovations at the New Milton branch, workers cut up and drilled boards to reinforce the ceiling and swept up the dust. Mike believes that this was where he was exposed to asbestos.

Mike also recalls working at the main Bournemouth branch of Barclays, Bournemouth Charminster Road and Guernsey Channel Islands. He also completed work for the Southampton Inspection/Audit Team covering all Southampton Regional branches. He then worked specifically at Totton, Eastleigh, Arundel Towers and Southampton Ocean Village.

If anybody has any information relating to building work or the presence of asbestos at any of these branches, we would be grateful if they could get in touch.

A family man with a love of sports

Mike has been married for 39 years and has 4 children and 3 grandchildren. He has always had a love of sports and was part of the local football team in his youth, Hordle Spurs. He continues to play bowls in his retirement.

Mike started to notice symptoms in 2023 which began with a pain in the top of his shoulder and breathlessness. Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mike is currently taking part in the Evolve Meso trial, run by Astra Zeneca, which is working well in limiting the progression of the disease. Mike attends Addenbrooke’s Hospital at least once every 3 weeks for scans and immunotherapy treatment.

Mike calls on his former work colleagues for information they may have

Mike said: “The last few months have been the worst of my life. I knew something was wrong, but you never imagine being told you have cancer. The shock was overwhelming and it was hard to take things in.

“Right now, I’m spending as much time with my family as I can and looking at options for treatment. I’m already on a trial that seems to be working, but I’m open to doing what I can to spend as much time as possible with my family and obtain the answers I deserve.

“This is proving to be such a difficult period in my life and I’d be so grateful for any information that people can provide. I know it’s a lot to ask, but it would mean a lot to hear from people and could also help others who were there at the same time I was.”

Anyone with information that could help Mike is asked to contact Natalia Rushworth-White at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791893 or by e-mail at natalia.rushworth-white@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.