Sister of Notts Scaffolder Appeals For Help With Asbestos Investigation
04/10/2011
The sister of a former scaffolder who tragically died from lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, has appealed for former colleagues of her brother to come forward and support her fight for justice.
William Linford, from Sherwood in Nottingham, died from lung cancer and asbestosis in June last year, aged 84.
Mr Linford, one of 14 children, was affectionately called ‘Geordie Bill’ by his colleagues when he worked as a foreman scaffolder at John Thompson (Water Tube Boiler) for eight years between 1962 and 1970.
In his role at the company, Mr Linford worked at various power stations across the region, including Staythorpe, Cottam and High Marnham. At these facilities, Mr Linford worked in the close vicinity of laggers who applied asbestos insulation to boilers and pipe work, which is where he believed he breathed in the deadly asbestos dust.
An investigation into conditions at the three power stations is now being conducted by asbestos illness specialist at law firm Irwin Mitchell on behalf of Mr Linford’s sister, Elizabeth, and are appealing for any of his former colleagues to come forward with information.
Elizabeth said: “Bill suffered a huge amount due to his illness before he eventually passed away. His breathing deteriorated and he quickly became less-active and mobile. It was heart-breaking having to watch him suffer as I cared for him in his final days.
“He often worked close to asbestos laggers but was never given a face mask or other safety equipment. If he and his colleagues were working with dangerous materials, why weren’t they given suitable protection?
“Nothing can bring Bill back to us but we just want to get to the bottom of where he was exposed to asbestos. If anyone remembers working with him I urge them to come forward and help us.”
Simone Hardy, a workplace illness specialist at Irwin Mitchell, added: “Lung cancer and asbestosis has devastating effects for victims like Mr Linford and their families. Because it can take up to 30 or 40 years to develop it can be difficult to assess where somebody was exposed to asbestos.
“Any information from someone who remembers ‘Geordie Bill’ at John Thompson (Water Tube Boiler) could help us achieve the justice Bill’s family deserve.”
Anyone who believes they could be able to help with the investigation, should contact Simone Hardy on 0870 1500 100 or at simone.hardy@irwinmitchell.com
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