Family appeal for information following death of former engineer 19 days after mesothelioma diagnosis

Francis (also known as Frank) James Slater of Liverpool went to A&E on 7 May 2024 with breathlessness and pain on the left side of his chest.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and died just 19 days later, aged 84. 

An inquest that took place on 16 August 2024 ruled that Francis’ death was from mesothelioma.

Throughout the 1960s, Francis had various jobs around Liverpool (listed below). His family are appealing for former colleagues who may have information about the presence of asbestos. 

• 1961/2 to 1963/4: John Williams (Liverpool) Ltd as a steel fixer
• 1963/64: Tysons (Contractors) Ltd
• 1963/64 to 1964/65: Highfield Lead Mills Ltd as a general labourer 
• 1965/66: The National Dock Labour Board
• 1965/66: Capper Pipe Service Co Ltd
• 1965/66 – 1966/67: Vickers Armstrong Ltd as a heating engineer/fitters’ mate
• 1967 to 1968: Capper Pipe Service Co Ltd
• 1969/70: Elliott
• 1970/71: Haden Young Ltd, Fiddlers Ferry 

In later years he became a self-employed taxi driver and is not believed to have been exposed to asbestos in that job.

The Leigh Day asbestos team would like to hear from anyone who may have worked with Francis during this time and may have information about the use of asbestos. The family also believe he worked for Darlington Insulation on contracts, but they have not got any details on when he may have worked there. Anyone with information concerning his time at Darlington Insulation is urged to get in touch.

Francis' daughter Jane said:

“No one should have to go through what my dad went through, and although it was very quick at the end, with dad dying within 19 days of being admitted to hospital, he suffered greatly. We were advised that this terrible disease is nearly always caused by occupational exposure to asbestos, so my dad got it somewhere, anyone who knew my dad Frank and worked with him could help us.”

Leigh Day partner Joanne Candlish said:

“Mesothelioma is a horrible disease for which there is currently no cure. Unfortunately, Frank succumbed to the disease before he had a formal diagnosis and so we never had the opportunity of interviewing Frank.

Ideally, we would like to hear from anyone who worked with Frank for these companies, or if they don’t recall Frank, anyone who worked for any of the companies at a similar time to Frank and thinks that they may have information that could help. Any relevant information would be greatly appreciated by Frank’s family.”  

If you think you have information that may help Frank’s family in their claim, please contact Joanne Candlish at jcandlish@leighday.co.uk or call 0151 305 2760.