The distraught widow of a former plumber who died from an asbestos-related cancer is appealing for anyone who worked with him to come forward and shed light on his exposure to the toxic material 50 years ago.
Joseph Barrow lost his battle with mesothelioma at the end of October 2012, aged 82 and only six months after he was admitted to hospital with his first symptoms.
His wife of 55 years, Vera, who lives in Weymouth Road, Hayes, has instructed Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, specialists in asbestos-related cases, to discover further details about how Joseph was exposed to the deadly dust during his employment with Richard James (Westminster) Limited, a heating firm based in Putney.
They want former co-workers to come forward.
He worked as a plumber foreman for the company between 1963 and 1970. The company is now dissolved.
Alice Humphreys, representing the Barrows, said: “Joseph worked for Richard James (Westminster) Limited when the dangers of asbestos were known to employers, yet it appears he still had to work in dangerous conditions.
“Through no fault of his own, Joseph suffered a horrible illness which has taken him away from his family far too soon.”
Mrs Barrow said: “During Joseph’s employment he worked at houses, office blocks and industrial buildings, his job involved installing pipe work.
“I remember him complaining about lagging. He said it was dusty and as far as I know he was never given a mask to wear for protection.”
In May 2012, Joseph went to Hillingdon Hospital as he had begun to lose weight. He was admitted again to Hillingdon that July, and it was found he had cancer in his left lung which was too far along for treatment.
Vera, 77, added: “Mesothelioma is an awful disease. Joseph became very breathless when walking just around the block and when climbing stairs. It also made him very lethargic, he slept a lot, and suffered pain in his side. We were devastated when he died.
“I have now lost my husband and my two sons have lost a father all because of the air he breathed at work every day.
“We all want justice for Joseph.”
Anybody with relevant information can contact Irwin Mitchell on 0207 421 4730, or email alice.humphreys@irwinmitchell.com.
