Family Ask Lawyers To Investigate After Enfield Dad-Of-Eight Dies From Mesothelioma

The family of a British Rail worker is appealing to a dad-of-eight’s former colleagues for help in establishing how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

Triarchos Eraklides, of Enfield, died just two months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Asbestos-related disease lawyers instructed to investigate illness

Following Triarchos’ death, in February 2024, his loved ones including widow Eleni, 83, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it could be linked to his working history.

The family have now joined with their legal team to appeal for Triarchos’s former workmates to come forward with information on the conditions he faced during his employment with British Rail in Camden from 1963 to 1967.

Emma Guy is the asbestos-related disease legal expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Triarchos’ family.

Expert Opinion

“Triarchos’ death is yet another terrible reminder of legacy asbestos has created with his illness developing many years after his exposure is believed to have occurred.

“Understandably, his loved ones are still struggling to come to terms with losing Triarchos so quickly after his mesothelioma diagnosis.

“While nothing can bring him back, his family are desperate to establish how exactly he came to be exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life. We’re determined to help them obtain the answers they deserve so they can at least honour Triarchos’s memory.

“If anyone who worked with him at British Rail could come forward, it would mean a lot.” Emma Guy

Mesothelioma: Triarchos Eraklides' story

Triarchos, originally from Cyprus, and Eleni married in the country and relocated to the UK in 1963.  At this time, Triarchos began working for British Rail at Camden’s Mornington Crescent.

His role was in a large factory as a repair man for the machines that printed railway tickets to customers.

Triarchos told Eleni he believed that the various pipes which ran horizontally along the factory wall were lagged with asbestos.  Maintenance work would be carried out on these, releasing dust containing asbestos fibres into the air which he breathed in.

Triarchos began suffering from shortness of breath and coughing in mid- 2023.  He was referred for a chest x-ray and CT scans, as well as a biopsy.  He was diagnosed with mesothelioma on 21 December, 2023.

He died in February 2024, aged 82.

Triarchos enjoyed socialising, DIY and watching old films. He had eight children and 14 grandchildren.

Son and daughter pay tribute to 'humble' dad

Triarchos’ son George Heraklides and daughter Debbie Keliris said in a joint statement: “Dad was a very humble man and he would talk to everyone in the same way whether they were two or 52.

“He was always kind and generous, and although a generally quiet man, he would always like to socialise with his family and spend time with his grandchildren.  He loved our mum dearly and would always call her his darling.  She’s really struggled since losing him.

“Before dad’s diagnosis, he’d always been relatively fit and healthy, so it came as a huge shock when we found out he had mesothelioma.  It was a condition that we hadn’t heard of before. However, he got worse very quickly and we lost him just two months later.  It was devastating.

“Before he passed, dad managed to recall that he thought he might have been exposed to asbestos when he was with British Rail. 

“We would therefore really appreciate it if anybody with any information to help verify this could come forward.  It would mean a great deal to our family to be able to get answers.”

Get in touch

Anyone that could help is asked to contact Emma Guy at Irwin Mitchell on 0207 4213913 or by email at emma.guy@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.