A Leeds family are "devastated" after a loved one died and they have been left with 'unanswered questions'.
Reginald Spence, from Rothwell, Leeds, died age 79 from a cancer of the lining of the lung called mesothelioma. The type of cancer can be linked to the body's exposure to asbestos materials.
After the West Yorkshireman worked in the metallic industry for years and was exposed to such conditions, his family want to spread awareness. The dad-of-three saw his GP in July 2020 after he suffered with pain all over his torso, before his condition worsened and he was admitted to hospital at the start of August.
There, it was confirmed he had mesothelioma. At his request, Reginald was allowed home, but sadly died on 24 August 2020.
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Now his family have launched an emotional appeal for his former workmates to come forward and help them gain answers regarding his illness. What's more his family are seeking legal help from Irwin Mitchell, who brand Reginald's death as "another awful example" of asbestos exposure.
His wife Blanche said: "Reginald worked at Yorkshire Copper Works for a number of years and I can’t recall him ever being told to wear protective clothing. I remember that my cousin’s husband also worked with the same company and he died of mesothelioma too.
"It was awful to see how the illness affected him and everything happened so fast. The entire family misses him so much and we just want to know how this illness developed. Information on this company could make all the difference, so we would be grateful if people could get in touch.”
Following their initial investigations into his work history, the legal experts are keen to gather more information on the conditions that the father-of-three would have faced when employed by Yorkshire Imperial Metals Ltd, formerly known as Yorkshire Copper Works, in Leeds between 1964 and 1978.
Lucy Andrews, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell who is acting for Reginald’s loved ones, said: "Reginald’s family are understandably devastated by their loss and continue to hold many questions around how his illness emerged.
"After our preliminary work, we are keen to get a proper understanding of the conditions at Yorkshire Imperial Metals Ltd and would be grateful if anyone who worked there could come forward.
"This is another awful example of the terrible consequences of asbestos exposure and we are determined to help Reginald’s family obtain answers."
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