Appeal for witnesses after County Durham joiner dies from asbestos-related cancer

John Buxton died in June last year, months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Now Thompsons Solicitors are investigating the circumstances surrounding his exposure

The widow of a former Durham joiner, who passed away shortly after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, has called on anyone who worked with his former employers to come forward with information about where and when he may have been exposed to the harmful material.

John Buxton, aged 75, from Peterlee, tragically passed away on June 23, 2023, five days before his 76th birthday and just months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma - an incurable cancer attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos, which often takes place decades before symptoms arise.

He leaves behind his wife, Elaine, his lifelong partner, whom he met when they were both 14 years old. The couple had been married for 55 years.

After leaving school at 15, Mr Buxton worked for various companies as a joiner. His duties included erecting fences and making doors, and he spent time as a domestic joiner for the Council.

He also taught woodwork at a school for children with additional needs. In the 1970s, he worked for several home developers across County Durham, during which time he was tasked with fitting asbestos boards at the back of airing cupboard doors.

Following Mr Buxton’s death, his widow instructed asbestos lawyers at Thompsons Solicitors to investigate the circumstances of his exposure. They are now appealing to anyone who may have worked with Mr Buxton or his former employers to provide information about the working conditions at the time.

Commenting on her loss, Elaine said: "It's been very hard coming to terms with his death. Towards the end of his life, he deteriorated quite badly and had to use a wheelchair. That was very difficult for us to witness.

"I remember him coming home from work, and he was always filthy, especially when he had been working on building sites, as there was so much dust around from various tradespeople working on different tasks. I particularly remember him working on the 'Black Bricks' estate in Peterlee.

"I used to clean his overalls when he got home, and he would jump straight into the bath." Mrs Buxton added that John had been well-known in the industry. "I was taken aback by how many ex-colleagues came to his funeral, most of whom I had never met,” she added.

"I hope some of them remember working with him and can come forward with information."

The family’s legal team is particularly eager to speak to anyone who worked alongside Mr Buxton at William Press & Son Ltd, a new-build developer where he was employed as a joiner between 1974 and 1978.

Stuart Latham from Thompsons Solicitors stated: "We would like to speak to anyone who remembers working with Mr. Buxton during his career as a joiner or with William Press & Son in the mid-1970s. Sadly, he was unable to gather information about where and when he was exposed before he passed away, leaving his family with many unanswered questions.

"His widow is understandably desperate to understand better the circumstances surrounding his exposure."

Anyone with information can contact Stuart Latham at Thompsons Solicitors on 01912690410, or via email at stuartlatham@thompsons.law.

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