Bereaved family appeal for answers over industrial disease death

George Phillipson was enjoying an active retirement when he was given the devastating news that he had mesothelioma – a highly aggressive lung cancer caused by historic asbestos exposure.

From enjoying ballroom dancing four times a week, cycling and meeting up with his friends, George suffered a quick and painful decline, which robbed him of the independence he loved. He passed away in December 2024 aged 85.

George, a retired haulage driver from Howden, East Yorkshire, spoke to his loved ones following his diagnosis about his memories of being exposed to asbestos – giving some clues as to where he may have contracted mesothelioma.

He pointed to three of his employers where he worked in the 1960s and 1970s – Wilmotts Motors (Howden) from 1961 to 1963, Hewson Brothers (Howden) from 1968 to 1971, and Laings/Laing Construction from 1963 to 1965. He recalled in particular collecting asbestos bales from Turner & Newell’s factory in Trafford Park, Manchester, and delivering to construction sites across Yorkshire and Humberside, including to Hull Docks.

His devastated family – a daughter, three granddaughters and five great grandchildren – say they need answers to help them deal with their loss, and establish how George came to die in the way he did.

“He was fit as a flea, he was always active, always doing something. He would go dancing four times a week, he had a pushbike he would ride around, and he loved going to cafes with his friends – you’d never have thought he was in his 80s. If it wasn’t for this horrible illness, we are certain he would have made it to 100,” his family said.

“The way he deteriorated so quickly is something we will never forget. From him being so active and busy to being slumped in his chair, unable to do anything, that wasn’t the dad, granddad and great granddad we knew and loved. It was heartbreaking to see him wasting away.

“It is so important to our family that we find answers about where his mesothelioma came from. We owe it to him to find out.”

Having retired in 2003, George lived a busy and full life, and showed no signs of slowing down into his 80s. In July 2024, he developed a cough, which led to breathlessness – following tests and a biopsy of his lung, it was established he had mesothelioma.

“He was given a permanent drain on his lung, which he thought would allow him to live his life as he always had done and he’d be back dancing – but he never went dancing again,” his family continued.

“He was in so much pain, and could only eat watery porridge and soup so he wouldn’t choke, because it became difficult for him to eat. It happened so quickly and he was getting worse by the day.

“He told us about his memories of collecting asbestos sheets when he was working, and he was sure it must have come from then. We don’t know this for sure, but are really desperate to know the truth. We hope someone can help us.”

George’s family turned to industrial disease specialists at law firm Slater and Gordon for support with her investigations, with senior associate Christopher Briggs acting on the family’s behalf.

“George was living an active retirement and enjoying his life when, from nowhere, he developed symptoms of mesothelioma. Within a few months, he had passed away. His decline is something that his family will never get over, as he seemed to be in the prime of his life,” says Christopher.

“George’s grieving family feel they owe it to him to find answers as to what happened to him. His recollections of collecting and delivering asbestos are hugely valuable to our investigations – if anyone has any information to support this, it would be great appreciated. Understandably, they just want to know the truth, and that is what we hope we can help them find.”

Anyone with information that could assist George’s family can contact Christopher Briggs on Christopher.briggs@slatergordon.uk or 0330 995 5368