Family of Wales power station worker appeal for witnesses after death from incurable asbestos-related cancer

Ron Kirby began working for the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) in around 1961 or earlier, where it is believed he initially worked at Carmarthen Bay power station in South Wales.

He then moved to Trawsfynydd power station in North Wales in the mid-1960s, where his duties included the training of new recruits.

Ron’s family believe it very likely that he came into contact with asbestos dust when working at the power stations, as asbestos was used extensively during this period.

After leaving CEGB, Ron spent a number of years working as a coastguard before joining the DVLA’s Heavy Goods Vehicle Department. He then retired in 1987 and moved to Cornwall.

In autumn 2022, Ron started becoming increasingly breathless and underwent various medical investigations. Mesothelioma was suspected, but he did not wish to undergo increasingly invasive procedures which would confirm the diagnosis.

Ron continued to decline progressively as his breathlessness worsened and by January 2024, he was virtually housebound and using oxygen at home. He was admitted to Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in Cornwall to control pain in his chest and swelling of his legs, before being discharged a couple of weeks later so that he could fulfil his wish to die at home.

Ron died on 4 March 2024 aged 90, with mesothelioma later being confirmed as being the cause.

Following his death, Ron’s family asked law firm Leigh Day to investigate his possible exposure to asbestos during his time working for CEGB at power stations in Wales.

Andrew Stinchcombe, partner in the Leigh Day asbestos claims team, said:

“Mesothelioma typically takes many decades to develop after exposure to asbestos dust, but its effects are terrible. It remains an incurable disease, and the UK has an awful legacy left by the prolific use of asbestos in the last century.

“We would especially like to speak to anybody who knew Ron and worked with him at the power stations in Carmarthen Bay or Trawsfynydd in the 1960s. Any former work colleagues who can shed light on the work that he did and the areas where he specialised would be extremely helpful. Ron’s family would greatly appreciate any information that can be provided.”

Please contact Andrew Stinchcombe at astinchcombe@leighday.co.uk if you can provide any relevant information.