Leicestershire glass blower appeals for help from former colleagues after asbestos cancer diagnosis

Anthony Brown, also known as Tony, worked as a glass blower in the 1960s at Fisons Scientific Apparatus Ltd in Loughborough, where he believes he may have been exposed to asbestos.

While employed there from 1962 to 1968, Anthony worked in the factory making glass toppers for scientific test tubes.  

He says this involved him heating the toppers with Bunsen burners, requiring him to wear heatproof gloves which, at the time, often used asbestos as an insulating material.  

Anthony also recalls that asbestos wool may have been used to clean the toppers.  

Having since retired, in summer 2024 Anthony was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting his abdomen.  

Following this diagnosis, he instructed the asbestos team at law firm Leigh Day to investigate his case.  

Now, Anthony is looking for former colleagues from Fisons Scientific Apparatus who may be able to provide more details about the possible presence of asbestos.  

Anthony cannot recall any other work environment where he may have been exposed to the substance. 

Leigh Day solicitor Zara Brown, who represents Anthony, said: 

“Being diagnosed with mesothelioma has been devastating for Anthony, and over the last year we have been working with him to understand how he may have been exposed to asbestos. We are now appealing to his former colleagues from Fisons Scientific Apparatus who may be able to tell us more about the possible presence of asbestos at the factory between 1962 and 1968. Any pieces of information, however small could prove vital in providing answers for Anthony and his family.”  

If you have any information, please contact Zara Brown on 0161 938 0531 or zbrown@leighday.co.uk.