Mesothelioma Sufferer Keith Hawkins Urges Local Contractors to Come Forward

• Asbestos/Mesothelioma

15 December 2010

A retired joiner formerly employed by Sheffield City Council who has been diagnosed with an aggressive asbestos-related cancer is appealing for other employees that worked on Myers Grove School, the Gleadless Valley estate or the Park Hill estate during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s to contact his legal team. Keith Williams Hawkins of Stannington was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma last month, and is now seeking compensation. Mr Hawkins came into contact with asbestos fibres and dust on several separate occasions between 1954 and 1993 whilst repairing airing cupboards, guttering and the initial construction of Myers Grove School.

In a bid to have his case resolved as soon as possible and to raise awareness amongst others that might also have been exposed, he is searching for individuals that might recall the following details:

• The heating system/airing cupboards initially fitted in the Gleadless Valley or Park Hill estates. Mr Hawkins repaired a series of asbestos-lined airing cupboards and guttering.

• The construction of Myers Grove School – Mr Hawkins used asbestos fibreboard to line the school corridors and was also present when pipes were being lagged with an asbestos-based mixture.

Simon Allen, managing partner at Russell Jones & Walker, Sheffield, is representing Mr Hawkins: “We are looking for other former employees who remember the heating system and can confirm that asbestos fibreboard was used to line the brick work of the cupboard in which the boiler was kept.

“The sawing of asbestos fibreboard is particularly dangerous and creates significant amounts of dust, which spreads the risk to others.  We are certain that the council were aware of the dangers of asbestos usage at the time of Mr Hawkins' exposure."

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