Carpenter who built homes across Northamptonshire dies weeks after asbestos cancer diagnosis as family appeal for witnesses

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.

John McInulty was born in Corby in 1938 and grew up in the town. He trained and worked as a carpenter and joiner.

In his late 20s, John began working for Northampton-based Wilcon Homes Ltd on building sites for council and privately owned homes across Northamptonshire.

His family recall John was required to cut asbestos sheets to size using a handsaw. During his employment, from 1965 to the mid-1970s, they say he was also responsible for fitting asbestos soffits to properties.

In September 2022, John began experiencing symptoms including breathlessness and dizziness and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma. Weeks later, John died on Thursday 1 August 2024, aged 86.

John’s wife, Jacqueline McInulty, has instructed Katrina Rowan, a partner, and solicitor Zara Brown, from the asbestos team at law firm Leigh Day, to investigate the case.

John’s family believe his former colleagues may have vital information about how he came to be exposed to asbestos and are appealing for anyone who worked with him to come forward.

His former employer has previously been known as Wilcon Construction Ltd and is now called Wilcon Connelly Limited.

Leigh Day partner Katrina Rowan said:

“Mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure to asbestos. In John’s case, he died just weeks after being diagnosed, leaving his family with unanswered questions about how he may have been exposed.

“We are looking to speak to anyone who worked with John. Even small details about working practices or materials used on Wilcon building sites in the 1960s and 1970s could make a meaningful difference to our investigation.”

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