Sunderland Echo

Did you work alongside ‘Dickie’?

SON LOOKING TO TRACE FORMER COLLEAGUES OF MAN WHO DIED OF ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASE

- By David Allison david.allison@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @davidallis­on88

A Sunderland man is appealing to former colleagues of his late father, who died from an asbestos-related disease, to help piece together informatio­n about his former employment.

Richard Brown, also known as Dickie, died in April 2015 after developing mesothelio­ma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the lining of the lungs.

He worked as a HGV driver between 1968 and 1977, initially for British Road Services, but was also employed by R Clifford Limited and Golightly Group Transport Limited.

As well as transporti­ng goods across the UK, Richard would assist colleagues with loading and unloading items.

“My dad’s illness developed so quickly, it was shocking,” said his son, Martin.

“We never had a chance to speak to him about asdad’s bestos and whether he was exposed to it when he was younger.”

Martin contacted Thompsons Solicitors after his father’s death to investigat­e an asbestos disease compensati­on claim on his behalf.

He is now appealing to those who worked with his dad at British Road Services, R Clifford Limited and Golightly Group Transport Limited to share any informatio­n they have about his working conditions.

“He worked for a few different employers during the late 1960s and 1970s, but in each case he did the same job,” Martin added.

“I’m confident there are people out there who would have worked with him and have more informatio­n about his exposure to asbestos than we do.

“Any clarity would be appreciate­d by our family.”

Tim Hayward, from Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Mesothelio­ma is a terrible disease that sadly affects thousands of people like Martin’s dad, Richard, every year.

“As it can take decades after asbestos exposure before symptoms of the disease become apparent, it’s important to trace his former colleagues to identify how and when he was exposed to asbestos.”

Anyone who worked with Richard at British Road Services between 1968 and 1971, at R Clifford Limited between 1968 and 1976, and at Golightly Group Transport Limited between 1975 and 1977, or has informatio­n about exposure to asbestos during this time, should contact Mr Hayward atThompson­sSolicitor­s’Newcastle office on 01912 690 623.

 ??  ?? Richard Brown, also known as Dickie.
Richard Brown, also known as Dickie.

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