Family of Tyneside man looking for answers over asbestos cancer death
The family of a grandad who died of asbestos cancer is asking for information on a former Tyneside site.
The family of a former South Sheilds dock worker have asked lawyers to investigate whether his job as a 15-year-old school leaver caused his death from asbestos cancer.
Leslie Inskip, of Whickham, Gateshead, died from mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.
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An inquest concluded the 88-year-old died from an industrial disease.
Following Leslie’s death, his son Graeme, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate where the dad-of-two and granddad-of-three was exposed to asbestos.
Graeme, 56, alongside his brother, Paul, 59, and their mum and Leslie’s wife of 60 years, Moira, 89, have joined the legal experts in appealing to those with information about the conditions Leslie faced during his career to come forward.
They are particularly keen to trace anyone with information about Law Brothers, a marine plumbing company based at Tyne Dock, South Shields. Leslie joined the company - which no longer operates – aged 15 as an office boy.
He began experiencing breathlessness in early 2023 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2023. Leslie was unable to undergo treatment. He died in September 2024.
Ian Toft, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Leslie’s family, said: “Leslie’s death is another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created. Understandably, his family remain devastated by his death.
“Asbestos was synonymous with the North East’s shipyards. Therefore, Leslie’s family are keen to understand more about the working practices and conditions at Law Brothers.
“Nothing can make up for the anguish Leslie’s family have experienced, but we’re determined to at least provide them with the answers they deserve.”
Leslie worked for Law Brothers between 1951 and 1954. His role involved distributing post, notices and wages and he would often pass through the workshop to reach the office.
He recalled that tradesmen in the workshop worked on pipework and fittings for ships, which were often lagged.
Anyone with information about the working conditions Leslie faced is asked to contact Jasmine Heaton at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 434 0797 or by email at [email protected]