67-year-old Brian Coffey, diagnosed with mesothelioma in April, has turned to his former colleagues to help him prove his exposure to deadly asbestos at work. The cancer sufferer from Walkergate in Newcastle believes that his cancer was caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres during his time at work at Morley Coachworks (between 1985 and 1986) and the Prescription Pricing Authority (between 1987 and 1994).

Mr Coffey said that many of his colleagues at Morley Coachworks worked on clutch and brake linings, which were made from asbestos, and he often had to sweep the floor at the end of the day. He also said that during his time at work as a porter in the basement for the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA), he was being exposed to the asbestos that insulated the pipework.

Responsible for 2,500 deaths every year

Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer of the lung lining, caused by asbestos exposure. It is responsible for around 2,500 deaths every year, with the numbers continuing to rise. Mr Coffey said that when he was diagnosed a few months ago, it came as a huge shock.  He said: “I want to know where I was exposed to the material and if my former employers could have prevented my exposure by taking the appropriate safety measures.”

Mr Coffey’s solicitor said that his employment history is currently being investigated and has willed anyone who worked for either company to come forward.

If you have suffered illness due to asbestos exposure or have suffered an injury at work, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.