BA worker appeals for help with asbestos cancer claim
27/07/2010
A former British Aerospace employee is calling for support from former colleagues after he was diagnosed with a terminal asbestos related cancer.
Clive Leaney, 66, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that is most frequently the result of exposure to asbestos, in June 2009.
Mr Leaney was employed as a Project Engineer at British Aerospace in Stevenage from 1978 to 1980 and then again at the BAE Public Limited Company/British Aerospace facility in Hatfield during the 1980s and is now seeking former colleagues to help him in his fight for justice.
Helen Ashton, an industrial illness specialist at law firm Irwin Mitchell is representing Mr Leaney and his wife. She said: "In June 2009 Mr Leaney started to struggle with his breathing and, tragically, was diagnosed with mesothelioma at Papworth Hospital in August the same year. It is believed he contracted the fatal illness following exposure to substantial amounts of the deadly dust during his time at British Aerospace."
Mr Leaney said: "This diagnosis has come as a massive shock to my wife and me. We went on a cruise shortly after the symptoms began and, in just a matter of weeks I was struggling to walk any distance and was confined to my cabin. I couldn’t wait to get home and visit my GP, who referred me to the hospital. It wasn't long before I was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
"I came across asbestos regularly while I worked at both of the Aerospace sites, in Stevenage and Hatfield. It was in the ducting I had to crawl through, the asbestos sheets that were cut in the factory and around and about when computer communications equipment was being installed. We were never offered protection or educated on the dangers of the stuff."
Miss Ashton said: "Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive lung cancer which is fatal in the majority of cases. It causes great suffering to the victim and their families.
"We are trying to trace former colleagues of Mr Leaney who have information concerning the working practices undertaken at the British Aerospace Dynamics Group/British Aircraft Corporation and BAE Public Limited Company/British Aerospace factories between 1978 and 1990 to come forward and help us with our enquiries."
Anybody with any relevant information about any of these companies should contact Helen Ashton on 01142 744545 or email helen.ashton@irwinmitchell.com
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