THE family of a Ross-on-Wye man who died from the effects of an asbestos-related cancer is seeking help from those who worked with him at various locations.

Brian Tipper, who passed away in July 2023 at the age of 76 from mesothelioma - a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

And now his family are appealing for information from individuals who worked with him between 1963 and 1978 to help with a civil compensation claim being carried out by specialist asbestos solicitors Hugh James.

Brian lived in Ross and worked as an electrician, but his diagnosis of mesothelioma, and subsequent passing only two months later, came as a massive shock to his family.

His family believe he could have been exposed to asbestos during his employment at companies including South Wales Electricity Board where he was based in Newport and Pontypool.

Brian also worked with British Rail in the 1960s, based in Newport, including the Severn Tunnel Junction.

Electricians in the 1960s to 1980s were often exposed to asbestos due to its widespread use in various electrical products and construction materials, such as wiring, insulation, switchboards and even the clothing they wore.

Although asbestos was known for its fire-retardant and insulating properties, contact was dangerous to electricians like Brian who would often be exposed during routine work such as installing or repairing wiring, fuses and working on electrical panels.

During his career as an electrician, Brian Tipper could have been exposed to asbestos at the following companies where he worked:

• South Wales Electricity Board (1963 – 1968 and 1971 to 1974)

• British Railways (1967 – 1969)

• Ashton Paper Mill Ltd (1968/69)

• Gwent Electrical Co Ltd (1969/70)

• David Grimme (Electrical) Ltd (1969/70 and 1971/72)

• Duramin Engineering Co. Ltd (1970/71)

• I.S.C (NSC) Avonmouth (1970 – 1972) and

• Davies Electrical Services Ltd (1973 – 1978)

The legal team at Hugh James is now appealing for witnesses who worked at the companies listed above during that time – particularly those who worked alongside Mr Tipper – to come forward.

Ceri Clark, senior associate at Hugh James, said: “We are hoping to help Brian’s family seek answers. If you worked with Mr Tipper at any point during his lifetime and/or have any information relating to how Brian could have been exposed to asbestos whilst working for these companies, please come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about working conditions, asbestos exposure, or who may remember working with Mr Tipper is urged to get in touch with the lawyers as their recollections could play a crucial role in the ongoing case to establish the circumstances of asbestos exposure and hold accountable those responsible.

The symptoms of mesothelioma tend to develop gradually over time. They typically do not appear until several decades after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pains or extreme fatigue.

If you can help, contact Ceri Clark in the specialist Hugh James asbestos team by calling 02922 675793 or emailing [email protected].