The son of a former design engineer is appealing for help to find out whether his dad’s death from asbestos-related cancer stemmed from building an extension at a St Ives school.
David Johnson died aged 83, three months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a terminal form of cancer linked to exposure to asbestos - often decades before.
David’s son, Michael, has instructed specialist asbestos-related lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how his dad was exposed to the hazardous material that claimed his life.
Michael, 53, and his legal team are investigating whether David was exposed to asbestos while undertaking voluntary work to extend Eastfield Infant Primary School in the 1970s.
Michael was a pupil at the school between 1973 and 1976.
Michael said when he was a pupil at Eastfield the school would ask parents to help, including with the construction of an extension.
He believed his dad was involved in installing asbestos sheeting for fireproofing.
He said: “The school always had limited budgets, so they would ask parents to pitch in. Dad was more than happy to help.
“Before he died dad said he remembered there being around eight or nine volunteers helping out and he had to cut sheeting with a handsaw and that created lots of dust.”
David left school at 16 in 1952 and immediately started an apprenticeship in a drawing office.
Following that, he worked for several companies in design roles. He was married to Brenda who died in 2005.
After David retired, he moved to Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire. David started developing symptoms of breathlessness and diverticulitis in October 2018.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 2019 and died that September.
Michael said: “Dad’s condition was getting gradually worse and he had issues with breathing.
“However, being told he had mesothelioma was the last thing any of us expected because of his work history.
“It was only when we talked after his diagnosis that we thought volunteering at the school may be an issue.
“Following his diagnosis dad’s condition rapidly deteriorated.
“Dad was a great man and nothing was too much trouble for him. We know nothing can ever make up for what has happened but we feel we deserve answers as to his exposure.
“I’d be hugely grateful to anyone who might be able to come forward with information regarding the project or the school. It really could make a massive difference to our family.”
A spokesperson for Eastfield Infant and Primary School said: “We understand that legal advice is being sought about this historical matter so it would be inappropriate for the school to comment at this point.”
Lacey St James, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Michael, said asbestos was widespread in public buildings such as schools, hospitals and offices.
She said: “We’ve seen incidents where support staff, teachers and even former pupils have been affected by exposure to asbestos.
“Michael and the rest of his family remain devastated by David’s death and understandably have a number of concerns.
“It is believed David was never exposed to asbestos during his career and as such, his time volunteering at this school has come under the microscope.
“Therefore, we would be keen to hear from anyone who recalls this project, as well as others with more general information regarding the presence of asbestos at Eastfield Infant School.
“While nothing can make up for their loss, we’re determined to provide David’s family with the answers they deserve.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lacey at Irwin Mitchell on 0203 0403 445 or email lacey.stjames@irwinmitchell.com
Action Mesothelioma Day took place on July 2 and was a time to reflect on the importance of upholding safety standards at all times.
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