Lawyers And Family Seek Information On L Brown and John Laing Following Man’s Pulmonary Fibrosis Death

The wife of a former joiner who died from an asbestos-related disease is appealing to his ex-workmates for help in identifying where he was exposed to the substance that claimed his life.

Richard Broome, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable scarring of the lungs which can be linked to breathing in asbestos fibres, often decades previously.

Wife calls on lawyers to investigate her husband’s illness

Following Richard’s death aged 71, his wife, Fabienne, age 66, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if it was linked to his work history.

Fabienne has now joined with her legal team to appeal to Richard’s former workmates for information on the conditions he would have faced.

They are particularly keen to trace those who worked with Richard during his time as a joiner in Manchester at L Brown & Sons, from 1968 to 1973 and John Laing and Son, from 1975 to 1986.

Ellie Walker is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Fabienne.

Expert Opinion

“Richard’s death is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy of asbestos, with most people going on to develop illness many years after the initial exposure has occurred.

“Richard’s loved ones understandably remain devastated by their loss and still have many questions over what caused him to become ill.

“While nothing can make up for what the family have been through, we’re determined to provide them with the answers they deserve.

“We’d be grateful if anyone who worked for the companies concerned could come forward with their recollections. It would mean a lot to Richard’s family and any detail could prove vital to the investigation.” Ellie Walker

Richard Broome’s story

Born in November 1951, on leaving school, Richard went to work as an apprentice joiner and attended Macclesfield College during his apprenticeship.

In 1968, Richard began work for L Brown and Sons Limited based where in Manchester. Prior to his death, Richard told his wife that his role regularly involved cutting up and drilling through sheets believed to contain asbestos.

Richard later joined John Laing & Son Limited in 1975. He worked there as a joiner for a number of years.

A family man with a passion for antiques, war history and ballroom dancing

Richard and Fabienne married in July 1994 and have a daughter, Chantelle.

Outside of work, Richard enjoyed simulated flying and he had a passion for all matter of antiques and war history. Richard also devoted a great deal of his time to ballroom dancing and used to regularly participate in competitions and events.

Richard had been in good health until he began to develop symptoms including breathlessness in October 2021. Having consulted his GP and undergone tests, Richard was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2022.  He died in June 2023.

Wife Fabienne pays tribute to an amazing husband

Fabienne said: “Richard was an amazing husband, a kind and loyal man who never had a bad word for anyone and would do anything to help people. Even now it’s so hard to accept that he’s gone and I still expect to see him come walking through the door. I miss him every day.

“When he was given the pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis, neither of us could believe it. We were both in shock and hadn’t really heard of it before.

“Richard and I both thought he would have more time and I’m devastated that he’s no longer here by my side.

“While nothing can turn back the clock and change what happened, there are still so many questions we have about Richard’s illness and getting the answers will help us honour his memory.

“If any of Richard’s old workmates could get in contact, it would mean so much to me. I would be so grateful if anyone could come forward and help us.”

Anyone with information that could help Fabienne is asked to contact Ellie Walker at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 394 6816 or by email at Ellie.Walker@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.