Did you work with Raymond Irving in Newcastle?
The family of a Tyneside man who believe he was exposed to asbestos while working at a cigarette factory in Newcastle are calling for his former work colleagues to come forward.
Raymond Irving, died aged 57 in August 2008, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and there is no cure.
Exposed to asbestos at WD & HO Wills cigarette factory on the Coast Road, Newcastle
It’s believed that Raymond, who left behind three children and three grandchildren, was exposed to asbestos while working as a machine setter at the WD & HO Wills cigarette factory on the Coast Road, Newcastle.
Raymond was originally from Carlisle but moved to North Shields in 1973 with his wife Elizabeth. He worked for the Wills factory from 1973 to 1978.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma after attending his doctor who sent him for an x-ray which showed he had fluid on his lungs. He was diagnosed with the terminal illness in November 2007.
Following his death Elizabeth contacted asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors for advice about claiming compensation.
Thompsons Solicitors want to hear from anyone who worked at WD & HO Wills during the 1970’s
Elizabeth would like anyone who worked for WD & HO Wills during the 1970’s to contact Thompsons. They are interested in any information about the presence of asbestos in the working environment or hearing from anyone who may recall working alongside Raymond.
Elizabeth said: “My husband was my life and it is so cruel that he died from this terrible disease at such a young age. He and I had looked forward to his retirement so much, all for nothing.
“I would urge anyone who worked with Raymond to come forward with any information they might have.”
Gill Connelly of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease caused only by exposure to asbestos.
“It is important that we trace Raymond Irving’s former workmates so we can build up an accurate description of his working conditions at the WD &HO Wills factory.”
Anyone who has any information should contact Gill Connelly on 08000 224224.
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.