The daughter of a ex-turner who died after being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer is appealing for help from his former workmates.
Vincent Dolphin, from South Shields, South Tyneside, lost his life after being diagnosed with mesothelioma - a cancer of the lining of the lungs. The disease is often associated with exposure to asbestos decades previously.
His daughter Eleanor Dart, also from South Shields, instructed asbestos-related disease specialists at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her 90-year-old father’s illness and where his exposure to asbestos could have occurred.
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The 58-year-old is appealing to any of her dad’s former workmates to come forward with information on the working conditions he encountered during his working life.
Eleanor and the legal team are keen to hear from anyone who worked at George Angus and Co. Limited and C A Parsons, which both based in Newcastle, in the 1960s and 1970s.
Eleanor said: "Dad’s mesothelioma diagnosis came as a real shock. He had often spoken with family and friends of working with what he believed was asbestos but we never imagined it would cost him his life.
"He was so fit and well despite his age, so to see him suffer in those final days was a terrible experience and an ordeal Dad and the family did not deserve .
"Dad was keen to look into his asbestos exposure but the disease progressed too fast to make that possible. Given he was denied the opportunity in his life; we’re keen to seek the truth in his memory."
Vincent carried out his national service with the Durham Light Infantry between 1952 and 1954. He specialised in guns and teaching others about their correct use and while in the Army, also discovered a talent for boxing.
He had several jobs in the region before working at George Angus and Co between 1960 to 1964. He carried out a few other roles locally, before being employed by C A Parsons from 1972 until 1974 and again from 1976 to 1977.
Vincent retired from working in 1996 at the age of 65. He lived a full and active life during his retirement and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
He first started to notice symptoms in April 2021 and, following an appointment with his GP, he was referred for tests. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma on September 7 last year. Vincent died days later on September 13, while surrounded by his family.
Emma Bell, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, is supporting Eleanor and her family. She said: "Vincent was in good health prior to his mesothelioma diagnosis, which came like a bolt from the blue for the family.
"Sadly we work with many families devastated by the consequences of asbestos exposure with Vincent’s death the latest reminder of the terrible legacy this material has created across the region.
"Understandably Vincent’s family have a number of concerns about how he was exposed to asbestos and we’re determined to support Eleanor as she seeks answers concerning her dad’s death.
"As part of our investigations we’d be grateful to hear from anyone who worked with Vincent at any of these companies. Any new information, no matter how small, could be a big help in giving Eleanor and the family some closure and the answers they deserve."
Eleanor added: "If anyone out there has any information, we’d really appreciate hearing from them. It would mean a lot and help us seek the answers dad was so keen to discover."
Anyone with information that could help Eleanor, is asked to contact Stephanie Denham on 0191 434 0731 or by email at Stephanie.Denham@IrwinMitchell.com
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