Family of former shopfitter who lined fire doors with asbestos appeals for information following his death from mesothelioma

Walter Freeman completed an apprenticeship and worked as a shopfitter at E Nixon & Sons Shopfitters from 1964 to 1969.  

The firm specialised in supporting commercial businesses with shopfitting across the Newcastle area.  

Walter’s family say that part of his role involved cutting asbestos to line fire doors. They believe that this is how he may have been exposed to asbestos fibres. 

In May 2025, Walter died aged 77 from mesothelioma, an incurable cancer related to exposure from asbestos.  

Walter's family instructed partner Steven Dickens from the asbestos team at Leigh Day to investigate a legal case.  

Steven is keen to hear from anyone who worked for E Nixon & Sons in the 1960s and 1970s and remembers the use of asbestos.  

Asbestos litigation partner Steven Dickens said: 

“Mr Freeman died of the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma. Unfortunately, he did not make a record in his lifetime of his work history. 

“We know that he used asbestos to line fire doors when he worked as a shopfitter for E Nixon & Sons, who were a large firm of shopfitters in the Newcastle area.   

“If anyone recalls Mr Freeman or worked for this firm in the 1960s and 19070s and remembers using asbestos, Mr Freeman’s family would be most grateful if you would contact me on 0191 933 9104 or by email at sdickens@leighday.co.uk.”