The family of a Whitley Bay electrician who died of asbestos-related cancer are appealing for help to find out if his illness was linked to decades working at the Swan Hunter shipyards.
Keith Frater, 81, died on April 4 2021 having become ill with an incurable form of cancer called peritoneal mesothelioma. This is caused by asbestos exposure,
Keith spent decades working at Swan Hunter and its predecessor firms. First as an apprentice between 1955 and 1960, and then returning between 1965 and 1983. His son recalls some anecdotes his dad used to tell about handling asbestos while at the firm, but he was only able to provide limited information before his death.
Now the family are being supported by solicitors from Leigh Day and are appealing for help determine if indeed he was exposed to the carcinogenic substance while at Swan Hunter.
Keith's death was sudden, he was diagnosed in early 2021 and died not long afterwards. Having previously been healthy and active, he lost his independence, was in severe pain and found eating and breathing difficult. When he was in hospital, family were not able to visit due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He died after having been transferred to a nursing home. Law firm Leigh Day is now, as per the family's wishes and Keith's request before his death, investigating the prospect of a legal claim and looking into Keith’s possible exposure to asbestos during his time at Swan Hunter.
Steven Dickens, partner in the Leigh Day asbestos claims team, said: "Mesothelioma is a devastating disease, one which takes decades to develop after exposure to asbestos, and it caused Keith to suffer greatly towards the end of his life having previously been fit and healthy. Keith’s decline was so rapid that there was no opportunity for him to consult with solicitors following his diagnosis.
"We are particularly interested to speak to anybody who knew Keith and worked with him in the 1960s and 1970s. We would like to speak to former colleagues who can tell us about what he did whilst he worked as an electrician for Swan Hunter. Any relevant information provided would be greatly appreciated by Keith’s family."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mr Dickens at sdickens@leighday.co.uk. Swan Hunter had not responded to requests for comment.
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