A former steel mill employee who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer has appealed to old work colleagues to get in touch.
Great grandfather Alec Rickwood, 85, of Sheerness, says he is devastated the disease has stolen his ability to enjoy his retirement years.
Describing the moment he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, Alec, who had hoped to spend more time with his five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, said: “I was devastated when I heard the diagnosis.
“It broke my heart and my wife was equally distraught when she learned about my illness.
“It’s been extremely difficult to enjoy these years and the things I once took pleasure in have become impossible to do.”
Alec believes his exposure to asbestos could have occurred during his time at Sheerness Steel Mill and before that at Conisbrough Potteries in Yorkshire.
While working at Conisbrough Potteries, where he made bathroom fittings, basins and lavatory pans by pouring clay mixture into moulds, Alec believes he was exposed to asbestos dust, particularly around the kilns.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have worked, or known someone who worked with Alec, to please reach out and help him get justice for his family…”
Later, when he was employed at Sheerness Steel Mill, he drove diesel locomotive trains across the yard.
He distinctly remembers how, each time he opened the doors of the work trains, debris would hit him in the face.
Alec said: “When I opened the doors, I was hit in the face with I don’t know what.”
He has instructed mesothelioma experts Hodge Jones and Allen to investigate where he may have been exposed to asbestos and to seek compensation.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs which develops following exposure to asbestos.
Alec is now appealing for anyone who worked with him at the steel mill or the potteries to come forward with any information they may have about asbestos exposure at these sites.
Alec is determined to secure compensation for his family, ensuring they are taken care of.
Isobell Lovett, a specialist mesothelioma solicitor from Hodge Jones and Allen, said: “Alec’s case is a tragic example of the impact that asbestos has had on workers.
“He was looking forward to spending time with his family who have been devastated by this news.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have worked, or known someone who worked with Alec, to please reach out and help him get justice for his family. Time is of the essence.”
If you or someone you know worked at Sheerness Steel Mill, or Conisbrough Potteries, and can provide details about the presence of asbestos or the working conditions, call Isobel on 0808 2393729.
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