Family calling for answers to asbestos death
Brunel lecturer died from lung cancer
THE FAMILY of a former university lecturer are searching for answers into his death following a cancer diagnosis two years ago.
Martin Gaylard died aged 77 in March 2014 after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure.
Now his family have launched an appeal for information from former colleagues of his at Brunel University to support their search about how Mr Gaylard was exposed to the dust.
The father-of-two worked at a range of companies across the UK, including W T Avery Limited as a graduate trainee engineer, before moving to Brunel University in 1962 as an assistant lecturer in both the Acton and Uxbridge campuses where he remained until his retirement in 2000.
He spent a considerable amount of time in his vibrations lab and was also responsible for supervising placement of students where he would visit them on site twice a year.
Mr Gaylard, from Denham in Buckinghamshire, was diagnosed in May 2013 after feeling increasingly unwell and breathless since December 2012.
His widow, Elsbeth, and children, Alexei and Oliver, have instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help their fight for justice.
Elsbeth said: “The whole family are still in complete shock and to know he died from an asbestos-related illness is heart-breaking.”
His wife continued: “It was horrible to see him suffer in such a way. We now need to know how this happened, and whether anything could have been done to put a stop to his death.
“We’re really hoping those who he worked with might be able to help give us more information so that we can determine what caused his terrible illness.”
Joanne Jefferies, a lawyer representing the family, said: “Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable cancer and has devastating consequences for sufferers and their loved ones.
“Because the illness is linked to exposure to asbestos decades ago it can sometimes be difficult to find information on the working conditions the victims have endured.”
A spokesperson for Brunel University said: “The university can confirm Mr Gaylard started working for Brunel College on September 1 1962 before becoming a lecturer at Brunel University.
“He retired in September 30 1999 although it seems he continued to work part time until September 30 2001. At this point the University can provide no further comment.”
Contact Joanne Jefferies on 0207 421 3936 or at joanne.jefferies@ irwinmitchell.com if you have any information.