The family of a man who lost his life to asbestos-related cancer have received more than £1 million in compensation following his death.
Rick Oakes, 67, was 'fit and healthy' before his mesothelioma diagnosis, which followed his work as a joiner in schools across Kirklees, West Yorkshire, where he had been exposed to asbestos decades earlier.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms in the lining of the body's organs. It is primarily caused by asbestos exposure and can take many years to develop after contact.
A coroner's inquest concluded he died of an industrial disease, with Kirklees Council acknowledging it had failed to protect him from exposure.
His widow Rachel, 51, said: 'Before his diagnosis, Rick was fit and healthy and loved playing golf and going on holiday with our family. It was incredibly upsetting for him when he was suddenly no longer able to do the things he enjoyed. Watching Rick suffer, knowing there was nothing we could do, was awful. We miss him every day, and while nothing will ever change what happened, we felt we had to continue the journey he started and get him the answers he deserved.'
The father-of-four began experiencing breathlessness in November 2021 before receiving his terminal cancer diagnosis in February 2022.
He initially underwent NHS chemotherapy before turning to private immunotherapy in 2023, yet his condition continued to worsen.
Rick passed away on July 4, 2024, with his family subsequently pursuing his legal battle against Kirklees Council. Solicitors representing the family argued that the local authority had neglected to safeguard him during his time working as a joiner in school buildings.
The council acknowledged a breach of duty and a compensation settlement was reached following High Court proceedings.
Rachel revealed that Rick had been resolute in his mission to highlight the hazards of asbestos prior to his passing.
She said: 'Rick felt strongly that people should be aware of what asbestos can do. He knew many believe it to be a historical issue, but asbestos is still present in a large number of buildings today, posing a risk if disturbed. All we can hope for now is that by sharing Rick's story, we can help raise public awareness and prevent future generations from losing loved ones to asbestos cancer.'
Following his diagnosis, Rick and his family received support from charities including Mesothelioma UK and the Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Support Group.
The previous year, Rachel hosted a charitable garden party in York, attended by 200 guests, which successfully raised in excess of £20,000 for organisations supporting those living with terminal and asbestos-related conditions.
A representative for the family's legal team at Irwin Mitchell described the case as a stark reminder of the 'terrible legacy' asbestos continues to leave in public buildings.
Nicola Handley commented: 'The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Rick's loved ones, who've understandably struggled firstly with his diagnosis of mesothelioma and then sadly having to come to terms with his death. While nothing can ever make up for what's happened, we're pleased to have secured the answers the family deserve. We hope the settlement brings some form of closure to Rachel and the rest of Rick's loved ones after what has been an incredibly distressing period.'
