The heartbroken family of a much-loved man who died from asbestos cancer has appealed for information to help them understand how he developed the illness.
Jim Kennedy was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.
The 82-year-old worked at Ravenscraig in Motherwell initially as a burner, before becoming a welder in the early 1960s. His family now fears he was exposed to asbestos while working at the steelworks.
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Jim, from Hamilton, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2021 with his condition deteriorating quickly before he sadly died on December 29, 2021.
His wife Fay, children John, Anne, and Jim, and his four grandchildren have now instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell Scotland to investigate his illness.
As part of their investigation, they're appealing to Jim’s former workmates for details on the conditions he may have faced while employed at Ravenscraig.
Jim’s wife, Fay, said: “It was very quick between Jim being diagnosed and us losing him. It was such a huge shock and I was absolutely devastated.
“To this day, I still struggle to come to terms with his death. He was the best husband and was so good to me. I’m finding life incredibly tough without him.”
Son John added: “My father was always fit and active. He worked until he was 70. It was devastating to hear of his illness
“When we were told that my father’s working conditions could have been to blame for his illness, it was very upsetting. However, getting some answers is the least we can do to honour his memory.
“We would be thankful if anyone with information on Ravenscraig could come forward. It would mean so much to us.”
Mary-Jo McKenna, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell Scotland representing Jim’s loved ones, said: “Jim’s family have been left devastated after losing him to mesothelioma, which is a particularly unpleasant illness which often becomes apparent many years after coming into contact with asbestos.
“Christmas was a year since Jim passed, yet his loved ones are still left with questions and concerns over how he fell ill in the first place. While there is nothing we can do to change what they’re going through, we’re determined to help them obtain the answers they deserve.
“We would therefore be grateful if anyone who remembers working with Jim could come forward. Any detail could be vital to our investigation.”
Anyone with details that might assist with this case is asked to contact Mary-Jo McKenna on 0141 300 400 3086 or by e-mail at Mary-Jo.McKenna@IrwinMitchellScotland.com
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