THE widow of a former Wombwell electrician is appealing to her husband’s ex-workmates to help determine how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.
Ralph Scargill, 73, died one week after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos.
Ralph developed symptoms including shortness of breath in August 2021.
After undergoing tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma on September 17 and died just a week later on September 24, 2021.
His wife, 74-year-old Noreen, is now hoping Ralph’s former workmates will come forward to speak about the conditions he worked under.
She has linked up with local lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the case.
They are hoping to trace anyone who worked with Ralph during his employment with the National Coal Board at the former Manvers Coking Plant in Wath-upon-Dearne, from 1970 until 1977 and while he worked for Joseph Nadin Contracting Limited, from 1978 to 1980.
Noreen said: “To lose Ralph so quickly to this terrible disease was devastating. He had been having some shortness of breath and was admitted to hospital.
“He was given the diagnosis and a week later he was gone.
“Two years on, it’s still so difficult to accept I’ll never see him again.
“I miss Ralph more than I can say.
“He was my best friend and there’s still not a day that passes that I don’t think of him.
“Ralph was able to give me some details of his work history and I know where he was employed for the most part, but his old work pals could doubtless tell us a lot more.
“If anyone who remembers Ralph or the places he worked could get in touch it would mean such a lot to me.
“I know it’s a while ago now, but any information could really help give us some answers and allow Ralph to rest in peace.”
Nick Woods, the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Noreen, said: “Two years on from Ralph’s death Noreen is still struggling to come to terms with the reality of his passing and the devastating impact it’s had on her life.
“Sadly, asbestos was a common feature across many industries at one point and we continue to support many people like Noreen whose lives have been turned upside down as a result.
“Nothing can make Noreen’s pain any easier or bring Ralph back, but she has a lot of unanswered questions about his asbestos exposure and we are determined to help her in a search for the truth.
“If anyone who remembers working with Ralph could come forward, it would mean a great deal to Noreen and her family and could prove vital in providing her with the answers and closure she deserves.”
Anyone with information that could help Noreen is asked to contact Nick Woods at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 274 4292 or email nick.woods@irwinmitchell.com.
