Bid to trace old work colleagues of singer Frank
THE widow of a Manchester club singer who died from an asbestosrelated disease is calling on his former colleagues for help.
Frank Corley, originally from Blackley, died in September 2016 aged 76 after suffering from asbestosis, a chronic inflammatory disease caused by exposure to asbestos decades ago.
The disease affects lung tissue and increases the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.
Frank’s widow Jean has instructed specialist asbestosrelated disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her husband’s exposure to the material.
She remembers Frank having various industrial jobs from the 1960s to the 1980s, but can’t remember his exact employers.
Jean said: “Frank’s death devastated everyone in the family.
“He was much-loved and the family all miss him daily.
“I am still trying to get over the fact he is now gone.
“Moving from Blackley meant Frank lost touch with his former workmates, so sadly we were not in contact with anyone when he first became ill. It was horrible to see how the illness affected him and I would be hugely grateful if anybody who did work with him was able to get in touch and provide information to help us understand how he came to fall ill.”
Dominic Hemsi, who is representing Jean, said: “Sadly cases like this are all too common, with the devastating legacy of asbestos meaning that people develop serious illnesses many decades after exposure to the material is thought to have taken place.
“We need former colleagues of Frank’s to come forward so we can try and piece together his employment history. With this it is likely we will be able to discover where he was exposed to the fatal asbestos dust that caused his illness.
“Any information provided could prove vital in our efforts to ensure that Jean gets both the answers and justice she deserves regarding Frank’s illness.”
Frank, who had three adult children from a previous marriage, was married to Jean for 31 years.
The couple lived in Wilmslow where Frank worked as a taxi driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Mr Hemsi on 0161 259 1516 or dominic. hemsi2@IrwinMitchell.com.