Widow needs help tracking asbestos death information (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Widow Valerie Grover needs help tracking asbestos death information

1:50pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

A devastated widow whose husband’s death was caused by exposure to asbestos has launched an emotional appeal urging former colleagues to come forward with information.

Wood machinist Brian Grover, 69, died on April 30 this year after an 18-month battle with mesothelioma – a cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos.

An inquest at Bromley Coroner’s Court held on August 9 this year confirmed Mr Grover’s death was due to “asbestos-related occupational disease”.

His wife Valerie Grover, from Upper Norwood, has enlisted the help of specialist asbestos lawyers Irwin Mitchell and is searching for her husband’s ex-colleagues as they may hold key evidence about how he came into contact with the lethal fibres.

She believes Mr Grover’s cancer was caused by exposure to the material while he was working for construction company G&W Waller, later known as Carlton Waller, based in Balham Grove, Wandsworth.

During the mid-1980s he worked in one of the company’s large warehouses where it is alleged workers used a large wall-mounted saw to cut Asbestolux sheeting that was used in buildings for fire protection and heat insulation.

Mrs Grover said: “Brian first became unwell in late 2008. At first it was only a tickly cough but when things did not improve tests revealed he was suffering from mesothelioma.

“Brian fought the illness for as long as he could but in the end it spread to his bones and he became so weak he was completely reliant upon others to care for him, which was not easy for him to deal with as he had always been such a strong, independent man.”

Helen Ashton, an industrial illness expert at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The dangers of asbestos exposure are well known and even as far back as the 1950s employers knew about the risks.”

Mrs Grover said: “We had been happily married for 28 years and we had been due to celebrate our pearl wedding anniversary next year.

“He was otherwise a healthy man but sadly this terrible illness took him from me far too soon and has robbed me of the precious time we should have been able to spend together as a couple.”

Anyone who worked with Mr Grover or who has information should call Helen Ashton at Irwin Mitchell on 0870 1500 100 or email helen.ashton@ irwinmitchell.com.