More on KentOnline
The family of a former dockyard worker are appealing for his former colleagues to come forward after his asbestos-related cancer death.
Leslie Scott, from Rochester, worked at Chatham Dockyard before being employed at W.E. Haseldon & Son Ltd for 30 years until he retired in 1993.
But in September 2023, he began to experience increasing shortness of breath and after an X-ray showed fluid in his lungs, further tests confirmed he had mesothelioma – a cancer caused by asbestos.
He died in December 2023, aged 89, shortly after his diagnosis.
His family are now appealing to anyone who worked for Leslie’s employers at a similar time who can provide information about the presence of asbestos and help build a clearer picture of his working conditions.
Mr Scott worked as an apprentice bricklayer at Chatham Dockyard between 1950 and 1955.
His family believe he may have been exposed to asbestos due to the large presence of the material in buildings and ships at the site.
While working at the dockyard, Mr Scott was involved in several projects including building a school.
It is thought this five-year period of his working life is the most likely source of his exposure to asbestos.
He went on to work for W.E. Haseldon & Son Ltd as a transport clerk and then manager between 1963 and 1993.
Part of his role included overseeing newsprint deliveries at warehouses rented from British Uralite, which had previously housed raw asbestos and asbestos products used in manufacturing.
After retiring in 1993 from his role as a transport manager, Mr Scott continued living in Rochester, where he had lived his whole life. He enjoyed keeping active and, in particular, playing golf.
Leigh Day solicitor Claire Spearpoint said: “We were approached by Leslie shortly after his diagnosis with mesothelioma, but sadly he passed away from the disease before being able to see through his claim.
“This witness appeal is an attempt to gather more information about Leslie’s working life, which we hope will assist us in continuing the claim so we can offer some closure and justice for his family.”
Anyone with information can contact Leigh Day solicitor Claire Spearpoint, who represents the family, on 0207 650 1391 or cspearpoint@leighday.co.uk.