Tell me how my father got killer disease Daughter of asbestos victim’s appeal
THE daughter of a former council joiner who died from asbestos-related cancer has appealed for information about how her father could have developed the killer illness.
Ken Newton, from Macclesfield, died in September 2018 at the age of 86, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
His daughter Lynne is now hoping his former colleagues at Macclesfield Borough Council can come forward to shed light on the working conditions he had.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos and often occurs years later.
Lynne said: “When dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it felt like the ground had been pulled out from beneath us.
“We had already lost mum and this was another devastating blow to the family. We had to watch dad deteriorate before our eyes and it was heart-breaking.
“While nothing can turn back the clock and bring dad back to us, we need to find out what led to his death. Although he is no longer here with us, these are answers that he deserved.”
Ken was nicknamed Gunner Newton by colleagues as he had volunteered with the Territorial Army and Army Cadets.
He worked for Macclesfield Borough Council, which no longer exists as it became part of Cheshire East Council, between 1971 and 1996.
As part of maintenance work that was often around the Moss Rose Estate, Ken would cut asbestos boards for domestic, commercial and council properties.
It is information about where potential exposure to asbestos occurred that his family wants to find out.
At the time of his death Ken was a widower – his wife Pamela had died in 2013 – with two daughters, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
As the illness progressed he found it increasingly hard to take his beloved pet dog Elsa out for a walk.
The family has instructed legal firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate Ken’s illness. Armon Momenabadi, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “Ken’s diagnosis came as a shock to his family, and losing him to such a horrible disease has been incredibly difficult for them.
“Through our work, we sadly come across many people whose lives are affected by asbestosrelated cancer such as mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos during their working years.
“Sadly, Ken is no longer here to be a part of our investigation. We would therefore be grateful to hear from anyone who may have worked alongside him.
“Any detail, no matter how small, could prove vital.”
Cheshire East Council has been approached for comment.
Anyone with information can contact Armon on 0161 838 3099 or at armon. momenabadi@ irwinmitchell.com.