Family of Essex electroplater appeal for witnesses after his death from incurable asbestos-related cancer

Anthony Knox (known as “Tony”) began working for Robert Stuart Ltd at the company’s factory in Harlow, Essex in around 1985. He was employed as an electroplater (the process of covering an object in a layer of metal) and remained working there until 1997.

Early on in his employment at Robert Stuart, Tony spent several months visiting the company’s site in Ascham Street, Kentish Town. During this period, he helped to strip out the interior of the building and remove machinery located there so it could be transported to a different site in Harlow.  

Tony also acted as the van driver during this work, picking up and dropping off his colleagues in the Harlow area and taking them to the Ascham Street site. 

Tony’s family believe he may have come into contact with asbestos dust when stripping out the premises at Ascham Street, and are appealing for former work colleagues to come forward with any information. 

In December 2023, Tony was admitted to Colchester Hospital after being unable to eat or drink for several days. He then underwent various investigations in Colchester Hospital and Basildon University Hospital, including the removal of fluid from his lungs and a biopsy.  

Tony’s diagnosis remained unclear, and he unfortunately died in Colchester Hospital on 3 February 2024, aged 73. Mesothelioma was only confirmed after his death, meaning that Tony did not have the opportunity to discuss his work history with his family. 

Following his death, Tony’s family asked law firm Leigh Day to investigate his possible exposure to asbestos during his time at work. 

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 Tony and worked with him at Robert Stuart in Harlow, and in particular anyone who also spent time at the Ascham Street site. Any former work colleagues who can shed light on the work that Tony did would be very useful. Tony’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.