21.02.2024 - Ilkley Widow Appeals To Husband's Former Workmates Following His Death From Asbestos-Related Cancer

21.02.2024

The widow of a former engineer from West Yorkshire is appealing to her husband's former workmates for help, following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

Robert Roe, from Ilkley was diagnosed in July with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, the 74 year-old grandfather-of-one instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if it could be linked to his work history, but died in October before he could see his case concluded.

Robert's wife, Vanessa, 54 is now continuing her husband's search for answers in his memory. Vanessa has now joined with the legal team to appeal for Robert's ex-colleagues to come forward with their recollections of their working conditions.

Vanessa is looking to hear from anyone who worked with Robert at Spooner Industries in Ilkley in the 1960s, Illsons Builders and Contractors in Burley in the 1970s. Robert also worked at D S Croft in Ilkley, in 1967/68.

Expert Opinion

"Vanessa and the family are still coming to terms with Robert's death from mesothelioma and what it means for the future. Sadly, Robert's case is another reminder of the dreadful legacy this hazardous material asbestos has left behind.

"While nothing can make up for what Vanessa is going through, we're determined to support her, as she seeks to discover the truth about her husband's asbestos exposure.

"If any of Robert's former workmates could come forward, it would mean a lot to Vanessa and could prove vital to our investigation and securing for his wife and family the answers they deserve." Nicola Handley, Senior Associate Solicitor

Born in Bradford, Robert lived and worked in Yorkshire all his life. In 1966 aged 17, Robert started work at Spooner Industries in Ilkley and remained with the firm eight months.

The firm were linked with Spooner Foods in Guiseley and Robert was employed as an apprentice engineer at the time. The firm manufactured industrial ovens, furnaces and paper machines and Robert worked in various areas, including the shopfloor, the welding department, press mental department and the assembly shop.

Robert recalled welding and drilling the frames for the various machines and using asbestos materials which generated dust and would get into his clothes and would stay in the air, making it impossible to avoid inhaling, he said.

In 1967/68, Robert went to work for DS Croft, a roofing company in Ilkley. Robert's role involved usual roofing duties, replacing slates and felting but he also recalled cutting asbestos sheets for soffits.

In 1975, Robert started work at Illsons Builders and Contractors Limited in Burley-in-Wharfedale and remained with them for a year working as a labourer and engaged in general building work. Much of this involved stripping out on old building sites.

Robert married wife Vanessa in 1998 and has one son, Robert Roe and one grandchild.

In his spare time, Robert enjoyed taking the family dog, Blue for a walk and socialising with his friends and family. Robert was also Vanessa's carer and the couple enjoyed spending time together.

Robert and Vanessa both noticed he was losing weight in July 2022 and in addition to losing his appetite, had started to become breathless and wheezy. Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July.

Robert began a course of chemotherapy but became very ill as a result and was unable to eat or drink. Robert was considering alternative treatment options, when his condition deteriorated, and he died on 29 October, 2023.

Vanessa said: "That terrible day in July when Robert got his diagnosis is one I'll never forget and even now, his death still hasn't fully sunk in. Robert started chemotherapy straight away, but he was so ill following, that he had to stop.

"Robert had always been fit and well and loved walking the dog, so it was terrible to see him suffer at the end. He lost his appetite and had real trouble sleeping. It was typical of Robert that his thoughts at the end were for me and the family and right now, it's hard to see what the future holds without him.

"Robert was a wonderful husband and father and would do anything for anyone. It feels like a part of me has gone with him and it's going to take time to come to terms with his loss.

"He was determined to find out how he encountered asbestos and searching for the answers helped him to keep his mind occupied and I know he would want me to continue with his efforts. If anyone employed in the same places remembers Robert, it would be great to hear from them and hear their thoughts on the conditions he worked under. I'm keen to find out as much as I can and it would be a great comfort and help to hear from them."

Anyone with information that may help Robert is asked to contact Nicola Handley at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 220 6233 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases

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