Family believe asbestos at a Coventry car plant may have caused husband’s incurable cancer death

Terence French (known as Terry) grew up in Coventry. In his 20s, he was employed as a boiler and maintenance worker at the Chrysler UK plant in Whitley, Coventry, which later became known as Talbot Motor Co.

Terry’s family believe he was likely exposed to asbestos dust while stoking and maintaining boilers. They recall how each summer he would clean the boilers, which are believed to have contained asbestos. 

Terry spent 10 years at the Whitley plant. After leaving in 1983 he went on to work as a furniture supplier for exhibitions, and as a delivery driver.

In February 2023, six years into his retirement, Terry broke his elbow and found a large lump in his chest. His condition deteriorated, with increasing pain and breathlessness and after being admitted to hospital, Terry was diagnosed with cancer. 

Shortly afterwards, on Boxing Day 2023, Terry died at his home in Talybont, North Wales. He was 73 and had a wife, three children and two grandchildren. 

Terry was diagnosed with mesothelioma following his death, a cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. His family instructed law firm Leigh Day to investigate his case. 

Andrew Stinchcombe, a partner in the Leigh Day’s asbestos 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 Terry and worked with him at the car plant in Coventry in the 1970s/1980s. Any former work colleagues who can shed light on the work that he did and the areas where he specialised would be extremely helpful. Terry’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.