Family appeal following former engineer’s death from asbestos-caused cancer

Graham Hodgson could have been exposed to asbestos from the late 1960s to the early 2000s through his work. It’s also possible that he experienced secondary exposure via his father’s work clothes.

In September 2020, Graham began to experience chest pains and was diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma (a form of malignant mesothelioma) in November 2020. He died just over a year later in December 2021, aged 71, with his family now appealing for information to support his case.

From 1967 until 1991, Graham was employed by Rolls Royce, initially as an apprentice engineer, at a factory in Leavesden, Watford, where it is possible he was exposed to asbestos. The factory closed in 1991 and is now the site of Warner Bros’ Harry Potter Studio. 

Following this, he was employed by Aerial Sites Ltd as a draughtsman, which required him to visit customer sites at various locations to take measurements and draw up plans for the installation of telecom equipment. Graham may have been exposed to asbestos while working across these sites during his time with the company until 2001.

Another potential source of Graham’s exposure was via his father, Benjamin Hodgson, who worked as a boilerman for Harefield Rubber Co Ltd cleaning the inside of boilers during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It’s likely that Benjamin came into contact with asbestos through his work, and Graham may have been exposed to asbestos brought home on his father’s work clothes.

Graham’s family is hoping for information from anyone who worked for the same employers at the same or similar time who can provide information about the use of asbestos and can help build a clearer picture of his working life.

Leigh Day solicitor Catriona Ratcliffe, who works in the asbestos team and represents Graham’s family, said:

“We would like to hear from anyone who worked with Graham Hodgson while he was working for either Rolls Royce or Aerial Sites Ltd, and anyone who worked with his dad at the Harefield Rubber Co ltd. We are seeking any information about the presence of asbestos where they worked, or the use of asbestos by Graham or Benjamin.

“If anyone worked for these employers at a similar time as Graham and Benjamin and thinks they have any information that could help, we would be very grateful if they could contact us. Any relevant information provided would be greatly appreciated by Graham’s family.”

Anyone who can help with information is asked to contact Catriona Ratcliffe on cratcliffe@leighday.co.uk or to call 020 7650 1346.