The family of a father-of-three who died from asbestos-related cancer are appealing for help to establish how he was exposed to the hazardous substance.
Peter Wood died from mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs, most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.
He was diagnosed in February 2019 after several months of suffering with a bad cough and chest infection but sadly his condition deteriorated and he died on June 3 2019 aged 86.
Following his diagnosis, Mr Wood, from Leyland, instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers to investigate his illness and whether his work could have been to blame for his asbestos exposure, and after he died, his family, including his three children, Mandy, Ian and Christine, continued with the investigation.
They are now appealing to Mr Wood's former workmates for information on the working conditions he faced when he worked for Leyland Motors Limited and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council at Sunninghill School.
Wife, Rita, said: “I am still struggling to come to terms with losing Peter, every day is so difficult without him here.
“We were devastated when Peter was told he had mesothelioma, and it was heartbreaking to see how the illness affected him.
"Towards the end of his life, he was sleeping most of the time and was hardly eating or drinking.
"I did everything I could for him. It was so sad to see how he missed doing all the things he previously enjoyed, like gardening, walking the dog and caravanning throughout the summer.
“To find out that Peter’s work may have been to blame for his exposure to asbestos was a shock and we have so many questions that need answering.
“We know that at least two men who were apprentices at the same time as Peter at Leyland Motors also died from mesothelioma.
“If anyone that worked with my husband has any information that could help us, I would really appreciate them coming forward.
"Whilst we can’t do anything to change what happened, I want to honour his memory by getting the answers he sought before he died.”
Peter worked for Leyland Motors Limited between 1949 and 1965 using lathes to make various parts for vans, including brake drums, chassis and wheels, as well as maintaining machines when he worked as a draughtsman
In 1965, he returned to college and studied to become a teacher, later securing a job as a technical drawing teacher with Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, based at Sunninghill School.
From 1971 to 1990, Peter worked at Hayward High School as head of technical drawing where his classroom was fitted with cast iron pipes and a built-in radiator.
Katrina London, the lawyer representing Peter’s family, said: “Peter’s family remain devastated by his death and have a number of questions as to how he was exposed to asbestos.
“As part of our investigation, we are looking at whether his exposure could have occurred during his time employed by either of these two companies.
"Therefore we would be grateful to hear from anyone that may have information on the working conditions Peter would have faced.
“We are determined to provide Peter’s family with the answers they deserve; any detail could prove vital.”
Anyone with information that may assist with this case is asked to contact Katrina London on 0161 838 7262 or by e-mail at katrina.london@irwinmitchell.com.
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