The family of a man who died from asbestos-related cancer have called for more awareness to be raised regarding the dangers of the substance after receiving a settlement regarding his illness.
71-year-old Roger Elderfield died from mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.
Roger worked for Andrews Weatherfoil Ltd in Slough from 1966 until 1975.
During that time, he was responsible for electrical work during the process of completing large new buildings such as schools and office block.
Roger worked near to laggers mixing asbestos powder as well as in boiler rooms where boilers were insulated with asbestos.
Prior to his diagnosis, Roger was fit and active.
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He lived alone in Burnham-On-Sea, following the death of his wife, Sandra, from cancer two years earlier.
Roger sadly died shortly after his legal team secured a settlement, following an admission from Andrews Weatherfoil Ltd in connection with his exposure.
His children Mark Elderfield, 48, Kate Snell, 45, and Anna Steele, 40, will receive the settlement.
Mark, Kate and Anna now paying tribute to their dad and warning others of the risk posed by asbestos in the workplace.
Isabelle Selley, an asbestos-related disease specialist lawyer, said: “Roger’s death is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy left behind by asbestos, with many people falling ill several decades after the initial exposure has occurred.
“While many people associate asbestos with heavy industry it’s use was also widespread in many public buildings such as schools, hospitals and office blocks.
“We successfully secured a settlement in Roger’s case remotely and quickly after he was diagnosed, but he sadly died shortly afterwards.
"We hope the answers, however, bring some comfort and closure in what has been a terrible ordeal for his family.
“While nothing can bring Roger back, his children are keen to share his story as a fitting way to honour his memory.
"They also hope that speaking out on the dangers of asbestos will educate others on the risk posed by this silent killer in the workplace.”
Roger’s son Mark said: “It has only been a few months since Dad’s death and we are all still struggling to come to terms with this.
"He was the centre of our family unit and always there for us. To lose Mum three years before and to see Dad’s condition deteriorate so rapidly was an awful experience.
"The COVID 19 lockdown also made the situation worse as we were unable to spend as much time as we would have liked with Dad, which was heart-breaking for us all.
“Whilst there is nothing we can do to change what happened, we are grateful that the settlement agreement took place before Dad passed, and he was in a capacity to acknowledge the answers he deserved.
"We hope that this story will remind people that asbestos is still very much a risk in the workplace that must never be ignored.”
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