Loved Ones Ask Lawyers To Investigate After Dad-Of-Two Dies From Mesothelioma

The daughter of a carpenter is appealing to her dad’s former colleagues for help in establishing how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

Bob Wren, originally from Middlesbrough, died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs usually associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Asbestos-related disease lawyers instructed to investigate

Following the dad-of-two’s death, his daughter Julie Waines, of Billingham, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it could be linked to his work history.

Julie, 65, has now joined with her legal team to appeal for Bob’s former workmates to come forward with information on the conditions he faced. They are particularly keen to hear from people regarding Bob’s employment with Elliotts Of Peterborough (Northern) Limited and WM Brown’s Sawmills Limited.

Emma Bell is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Julie.

Expert Opinion

“Bob’s death is yet another terrible reminder of the legacy left behind by asbestos. Understandably Julie is struggling to come to terms with losing her dad to such a horrific disease.

“While nothing can bring her dad back, Julie is desperate to establish exactly how he came to be exposed to the substance that went on to claim his life. We’re determined to help her obtain the answers so she can honour her dad’s memory.

“If anyone who worked with Bob could come forward, it would mean a lot to his loved ones and could also be vital to the investigation.” Emma Bell

Mesothelioma: Bob's story 

Bob worked as a carpenter and joiner on building sites across various locations including Chesterfield, Coventry, Birmingham and Stockton-on-Tees. He began his employment with Elliotts of Peterborough, most likely at the company’s base in Middlesbrough, in 1970 and remained there for around one year.

Between 1975 and 1976, he worked for WM Brown’s Sawmills, possibly in Darlington.

Bob was dad to Julie and her sister Wendy Ledington, 62.  His wife Jean died in 2013.

Prior to his death, he also suffered from Alzheimer’s and didn’t speak much about his mesothelioma diagnosis to Julie or Wendy.  The grandfather-of-two died on 20 February 2023, aged 91. 

Daughter pays tribute to 'best' dad

Julie said: “It’s coming up to two years since we lost dad and it still doesn’t get any easier.  He was the best person who loved nothing more than spending time with his family and we miss him every single day.

“When Wendy and I were children, we moved homes every couple of years for dad’s work and even lived in Australia for a time.

“Dad was always relatively fit and healthy, so to be told he had mesothelioma came as a huge shock.  He didn’t like to talk about it and due to his dementia, his memory wasn’t what it used to be either. 

“In hindsight, I wish I had tried to speak to him more about where he could have been exposed to asbestos, but at the time I just wanted to focus on looking after him. Now that he’s no longer with us, I want to get him the answers he deserved.

“I would therefore really appreciate it if anybody with any information could help us.”

Anyone with detail that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Emma Bell or Stephanie Denham at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 434 0731 or by e-mail at Stephanie.Denham@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.