The widow of a former engineer has made an emotional appeal for information after her husband died from an incurable disease caused by exposure to asbestos.
A Loving Husband's Tragic Diagnosis
John Holmes, an 80-year-old from Staffordshire, passed away on December 27, 2023, just days after Christmas. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer and asbestosis, a fatal condition linked directly to inhaling asbestos fibres.
John, a father of one and grandfather of two, had enjoyed an active retirement filled with walking, arts and crafts, and travel. His health began to decline in late 2021 when he developed a persistent cough. By June 2023, he was struggling with severe breathlessness and a marked decline in his ability to exercise. A formal diagnosis followed in November 2023, with his condition deteriorating rapidly.
His wife of nearly 50 years, Hazel Holmes, 78, described the anguish of watching her husband suffer. "No one deserved to suffer the way John did," she said. "He was always so strong and independent, and to see him in pain and struggling was incredibly difficult for all of us."
Seeking Answers About Past Employment
The family, still grieving their loss, is now seeking answers about where and how John was exposed to the deadly material. They have instructed specialist industrial disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.
John worked as an erection engineer for the Scottish-based firm Parsons Peebles Ltd between 1970 and 1972. During this period, he was lodged in Retford and worked at various power station sites across the United Kingdom.
The legal team is particularly keen to hear from former colleagues who worked with John at the following locations:
- Former power stations near Retford.
- The former Trawsfynydd Power Station in Gwynedd, Wales.
"We just want to understand how this happened and would be so grateful to anyone who can help us," Hazel added. The family explained that after John's diagnosis was confirmed, events moved so quickly that they never had the chance to discuss the potential sources of his exposure.
A Life of Activity Cut Short
John Holmes was remembered by his family as a kind, loving, and exceptionally active man. A keen sportsman, he played rugby until he was 40 before taking up squash and running. He was a member of four local walking groups and, as his health declined, switched to crown green bowls.
He and Hazel had lived in Walsall for 29 years before moving to Burntwood in 2017. They first met at a New Year's Eve party and married in 1974.
Brigita Trink-McCleland, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: "While nothing can make up for the family’s suffering, we’re determined to help Hazel find the answers she deserves. Any information about John’s working conditions could prove vital to our investigation."
Anyone with information about working conditions at Parsons Peebles Ltd in the early 1970s, or who remembers working with John Holmes, is urged to contact Brigita Trink-McCleland at Irwin Mitchell by email at Brigita.Trink@IrwinMitchell.com or by phone on 0121 203 5243.
