Man's Fatal Asbestos Cancer Linked to Unlikely Workplace

• EXPLORE FURTHER: My spouse was suffering from a persistent cough and later discovered she had an uncommon and untreatable form of cancer.

A terminal cancer The patient is pursuing legal action against his previous employer. Barclays a bank, since he thinks that contact with harmful minerals in the office where he was employed led to his illness.

Mervyn Jessop, aged 72, suffers from stage four mesothelioma, a highly lethal type of lung cancer linked to exposure to asbestos, which is a dangerous substance.

The father spent 12 years working as a computer operator for the bank giant at a site in Gloucester that housed the firm's data systems.

However, he believes that the ceilings in the specially constructed building were contaminated with the carcinogenic poison.

Today, roughly three decades since he ceased his work in those 'dust-filled' quarters, he has been informed that he likely has just twelve months left to live.

Research indicates that approximately 80 percent of mesothelioma cases stem directly from asbestos exposure, often occurring at building sites.

Mr Jessop's battle with cancer commenced early this year, around January 2024, after he consulted his general practitioner regarding persistent worries that a lingering cough wasn’t subsiding.

He was referred for tests and diagnosed with mesothelioma in October.

"I had come across mesothelioma in the news, and I understood that it was an incurable disease," he stated.

I recall asking the physician about the time I had remaining and was informed that my life expectancy was roughly 12 months.

'Iwas keen to explore and start treatment as quickly as possible to try and give myself the best chance of having as much time with my family as possible.'

Since his diagnosis Mr Jessop has undergone a medical trial combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy—a form of treatment that works by helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells—to try and prolong his life.

Research indicates that only 10 percent of individuals diagnosed with the condition will survive for over five years.

"At the moment, I run out of breath if I push myself too hard," explained Mr Jessop.

I am able to handle walking on level surfaces; nonetheless, I'm unable to perform strenuous activities at home and in the garden as I once did.

'I'm sad to say, I've recently stepped down from my golf club because I can no longer participate in activities that involve climbing slopes without feeling short of breath.'

When I gaze ahead, I become quite sorrowful. We had numerous aspirations for our golden years, and now it seems as though they've all been snatched away.

'I am concerned about my future and also worried about what might happen to my wife Karen and our family.'

Mr. Jessop began his tenure at Barclays in 1973. Initially stationed in London, he relocated to Barnwood in 1978 following the opening of the Gloucester Data Centre.

The facility comprised three sections labeled A, B, and C, accommodating the company’s growing computer network infrastructure.

He was stationed in Block A, reportedly featuring elevated flooring and drop ceilings.

According to Mr Jessop, substantial lengths of computer cables and regular wiring were routed through the floors and ceilings.

This could displace ceiling tiles and rubble hidden behind the ceilings; he believes these areas contain asbestos. Consequently, this might cause dust to spread throughout.

Engineers would likewise remove tiles during repair work.

"Many of my working hours fell outside regular office time, which is primarily when most computer maintenance tasks were performed," stated Mr Jessop.

Back then, computers were still in their early stages. These machines were massive, typically occupying whole rooms, complete with countless buttons, switches, and wires. Therefore, performing engineering tasks was quite a significant undertaking, usually requiring multiple individuals.

The task typically involved reaching spaces above the dropped ceilings and beneath the flooring; these zones were frequently covered with dust. Therefore, meticulous attention was essential during cleanup to maintain cleanliness and ensure they remained free from dust.

In 1990, Mr Jessop moved to the North West, residing in Wilmslow, Cheshire. He retired from Barclays in 2004.

It is thought that the Gloucester Data Centre had a refurbishment in 2001 during which asbestos might have been taken out of the structure.

Chrysotile, a natural mineral, was widely utilized from the 1950s through the 1990s due to its affordability as an insulation material in the building of numerous new structures.

Breathing in its tiny fibers may lead to lung cancers (such as mesothelioma) along with asbestosis, which is a painful swelling and scarring of the lungs.

According to Cancer Research UK, mesothelioma accounts for approximately 2,400 fatalities annually.

The Health and Safety Executive suggests that approximately 1.3 million skilled workers might be exposed, potentially encountering asbestos over a hundred times each year on average.

Around 5,000 individuals from Britain succumb annually to cancer linked to asbestos, primarily due to occupational exposure, as stated by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

Most cases are diagnosed among people aged 75 or over, with men more often affected than women.

Symptoms of the disease build up over time and usually appear a number of decades after someone is exposed to asbestos.

Mr Jessop added: 'I know I can't undo what's happened but the least I feel I deserve is answers regarding how I was exposed to asbestos.

'I cannot express how important it is to me and my family if individuals share any relevant information they possess.'

He has now asked specialized lawyers who handle asbestos-linked diseases to look into whether his sickness might be connected to his work history. He is also reaching out to former coworkers to gather more details and encourage them to share any relevant information they may have.

The legal team is eager to speak with individuals who collaborated with Mervyn at the Gloucester Data Centre of Barclays Bank located in Barnwood close to Gloucester.

Helen Tomlin, the legal expert specializing in asbestos-linked illnesses who represents Mervyn, stated: "This diagnosis for Mervyn serves as another stark reminder of the destructive effects of asbestos. It highlights how the consequences of exposure frequently surface much later."

Mervyn and his family continue to be heartbroken over his diagnosis and its potential impact on their future. Although asbestos is frequently linked to industries involving heavy machinery, its usage was much broader than commonly thought.

If anybody who recalls collaborating with Mervyn, or possesses any details regarding the Gloucester Data Centre, steps forward, this could be crucial in at least offering Mervyn and his family the explanations they rightfully deserve.

Those who have relevant details should reach out to Mr Jessop's legal representatives at Irwin Mitchell.

Read more