Asbestos Widow Appeals for Information

The widow of a teacher from Bolton who taught in the town's schools, is appealing for information from former colleagues, to help explain how and when her husband was exposed to asbestos.

Bernard Dawson spent more than 50 years teaching maths and science at secondary schools across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, between 1957 and 1995.

In 2011, Mr Dawson was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer called mesothelioma, which affects the tissue covering the lungs or the abdomen. Mr Dawson's condition deteriorated and he died, aged 81, in a hospice near his home in Staffordshire, last august.

Now Mr Dawson's widow, Maureen, is looking for answers to establish if more could have been done to save him. She said:

"I want to get the message out that you don't have to be a plumber or work in the building or engineering trades to come into contact with asbestos.

"What we're trying to do is to ascertain where and how he got mesothelioma. There may be former colleagues who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma – are they related?"

Mrs Dawson's lawyer, Kevin Johnson, continued:

"The smallest detail could be vital so if anyone remembers working with him in places where they may have been exposed to asbestos, we would urge them to get in touch."

If you believe your employment may have contributed to an illness, call our industrial disease specialists today. You can speak to us in complete confidence on 01204 526 465.

HSK Solicitors

Industrial Disease Specialists