Former painter and decorator Jack Harris pictured left, right with his family (Image: Irwin Mitchell)
The family of a man diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer are looking for answers about his death.
Former painter and decorator Jack Harris, 85, was diagnosed with mesothelioma after his symptoms began in the summer of 2020.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, often occurring decades after exposure to asbestos.
The father of two, who loved fishing and vacationing in the family trailer, died in March 2021.
His daughter Karen Little, 62, is currently working with asbestos lawyers to investigate whether her father’s illness is linked to his professional past.
Karen said: “After almost two years, our family is still struggling to deal with the way dad passed. Up until this shocking diagnosis, he seemed to be doing so well for a man his age.
“Father worked hard all his life and didn’t deserve to end up suffering from asbestos exposure. He was keen to find out how this could have happened, but ended up being too ill to do anything other than give us some details about his professional background.
“Now it just seems like the right time to do what he wanted and find out how he was exposed to asbestos. We know he has worked on many community buildings and housing developments throughout the Bradford and Shipley area. If anyone who has worked with him could get in touch it would be of great help.
“Any piece of information will help complete the picture and finally let dad rest in peace.”
Irwin Mitchell would like to hear from anyone who worked with the Shipley Painter for information on their working conditions.
His career began at Bagnalls before completing his national service and working for Shipley Urban District Council before it became Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
Jack worked for the former Shipley Urban District Council between 1959 and 1974 and Bradford Metropolitan District Council from 1974 to 1991.
He worked on a variety of popular public buildings and housing estates.
The story goes on
The Telegraph & Argus contacted Bradford Council and Bagnalls for a reply but have received no reply at the time of publication.
Hannah Robinson, Irwin Mitchell’s Asbestos Attorney, who supports Karen and her family, said: “Jack’s death is another reminder of the terrible legacy left by asbestos.
“Mesothelioma is a terrible disease with many people not developing symptoms until many years after exposure to asbestos.
“Sadly, Jack passed away before he could reveal many details about his professional life, leaving the family with many unanswered questions about his asbestos exposure.”
Anyone with helpful information should contact Hannah Robinson at Irwin Mitchell by calling 0113 394 6842 or emailing [email protected]
