Compensation battle after asbestos death Marathon man's

family vow

to fight on By Teri Jones

THE family of a fit and healthy runner, who died after developing cancer due to contact with asbestos, are fighting for compensation.

Dennis Topping was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 1997 and died on November 13 last year, aged 65, after a four-year battle against the illness.

An inquest at Leigh Town Hall this week heard that Mr Topping, of Pennington Road, Leigh, was a boilerman and during his career worked at Leigh's two industrial giants -- Turner Brothers and Courtaulds. He worked at Turner Brothers for two short periods and at Courtaulds from 1979 until he was made redundant in 1983.

Both jobs involved contact with asbestos dust, which doctors believe is likely to have led to the later development of cancer.

Major hobby

Following his redundancy Mr Topping threw himself into his major hobby, running. A member of Golborne Trotters, he earned many trophies and certificates, having run the London Marathon four times, the Great North Run four times and the Robin Hood Marathon twice.

After his initial diagnosis Mr Topping underwent surgery to remove part of his lung, which seemed to have been successful -- so much so that he amazed doctors by running the Great North for the final time in 1999.

His cancer spread and after undergoing two doses of chemotherapy and a second operation doctors told the family they were unable to do anything further. Mr Topping returned home, where he continued to lead a normal life, being cared for by his family.

Speaking at the inquest, pathologist Dr David Barker identified the cause of death to have been an advanced tumour which had spread across the victim's chest, surrounding his heart. The coroner, Jennifer Leeming concluded that Mr Topping had died as a result of an 'industrial disease'.

Mr Topping's wife, Patricia and four children, Wayne, Troy, Darren and Tracy have been fighting for compensation since his diagnosis. Their battle has been an uphill struggle -- first Turner and Newall went into voluntary liquidation meaning many victims had their claims halted.

More recently a Court of Appeal upheld the decision in the case of Fairchild stopping compensation being paid to victims where more than one employer was involved.

This has been devastating news for the family, who are determined to see the case through and gain recognition for Mr Topping's death.

Patricia said: "It isn't about the money any more. It would have helped him live his last months in comfort, but now it is more about the principle. Someone was responsible for his death."

Robbed

Daughter Tracy said: "My dad was robbed of many years of his life, leaving behind his wife, four children and six grandchildren whom he will never see grow up."

On Mr Topping's wishes the family scattered his ashes at his favourite running spot -- the top of Rivington Pike. They now joke that he enjoys watching them all struggle up the hill to visit him!

A public meeting is being held in Manchester on Friday for asbestos support groups, victims and their families in the hope of resolving the situation. For more information contact the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group on 0161 953 4037.