The family of a West Cumbrian man have asked lawyers to investigate how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.
John Martin Rogerson, of Seaton, near Workington, died of mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer – usually of the lining of the lung – linked to asbestos exposure, often decades previously.
It was only following a post-mortem examination that Mr Rogerson’s diagnosis came to light.
An inquest found the 78-year-old, known as Martin, died as a result of an industrial disease.
Following the dad-of-three’s death, Mr Rogerson’s family instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he was exposed to asbestos.
His family, including son Terence, and their legal team are now appealing to those who worked with Martin to come forward with information.
They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with information about conditions Mr Rogerson faced at High Duty Alloys and Fischer and Porter in Lillyhall, near Workington.
While employed by High Duty Alloys, he made tools and parts for the Concorde jets.
Emma Bell, the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Terence and the rest of the family remain devastated by Martin’s death which is yet another reminder of the devastating legacy asbestos has created.
“While many people often associate asbestos with heavy industry its use was much more widespread.
“Understandably Martin’s family continue to have concerns about how he was exposed to asbestos. While nothing can make up for their loss, we’re determined to provide them with the answers they deserve.
“If anyone who remembers working with Martin, or who has information about either company could come forward, it could prove vital in at least providing Martin’s family with some form of closure.”
Martin started working at High Duty Alloys as an apprentice toolmaker in 1961 before moving to work at Fischer and Porter in 1971.
After leaving in 1974, Martin ran his own bakery in Workington and was landlord at the Green Dragon Hotel before becoming a salesman.
Neither High Duty Alloys or Fischer and Porter still trade.
He retired early to care for his wife Iris, who died in 2021.
Martin began experiencing symptoms in August 2023, when he developed fluid on his lungs. He died in June 2024.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Terence, 56, said: “Dad was proud of his work on the Concorde. He was fit and healthy for most of his life and it was only in the last year that he started experiencing problems.
“We tried to care and look after dad as much as we could, but it was awful to see how our once proud and independent dad became reliant on others.
“Dad was the head of our family and someone we continued to look up to for help, advice and support.
“We miss him every day. The hardest thing to come to terms with is still having unanswered questions about his mesothelioma. Before this we’d not heard of mesothelioma, but we now know how terrible it is.
“We can’t turn the clock back, but we feel that we at least owe it to dad to honour his memory by establishing the answers he deserves.
“If people who remember him or worked with dad could come forward it would mean a lot to us.”
Martin also leaves behind son, Stephen, 54, daughter Emma, 50, and seven grandchildren.
Anyone with information about the working conditions Martin faced should contact Mollie Towell at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 217 2349 or by email at [email protected]
