Former lift engineer died a week after asbestos cancer diagnosis

William Lees (known as Bill) died in March 2024, aged 76. He had worked as a lift engineer across Birmingham for more than 30 years.

Now his widow, Bernie Lees, is appealing to former colleagues who may have “vital information” about how he may have been exposed to asbestos.

Bill had recalled working as a lift engineer across Birmingham, often in tower block flats across the city. 

Records show he was employed by Evans Lifts Limited (dissolved in 2015) from 1964 to 1973, and Hammond & Champness Limited (now ThyssenKrupp Elevator UK Limited) from around 1983. In 2000, Bill then transferred to ThyssenKrupp Elevator, where he worked for another 13 years.

 As a lift engineer in the maintenance and major repairs departments, Bill had told his family that his job involved removing and replacing old lifts. His widow, Bernie Lees believes it is likely that he was exposed to asbestos when drilling into and handling lift linings, which she says Bill recalled contained asbestos for protection against fire.

Following Bill’s death in March 2024, Bernie has since instructed Zara Brown from the asbestos team at law firm Leigh Day to investigate his case.

Bernie now hopes anyone who could help determine how Bill may have been exposed to asbestos while working at Evans Lifts Ltd or Hammond & Champness Ltd will come forward with information.

Leigh Day solicitor Zara Brown, who represents Bill’s family, said:

“Following a 30-year career working across Birmingham, Bill died just a week after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, leaving his family with unanswered questions about how he could have been exposed to asbestos.  

“Bill’s former colleagues, and other people who worked for Evans Lifts Ltd and Hammond & Champness Ltd may have vital information and any details, however small would be very much appreciated.” 

If you believe you help with this investigation, please contact Zara Brown: zbrown@leighday.co.uk/0161 938 0531.