THE distraught widow of a former Croydon Council painter and decorator who died from asbestos-related cancer is appealing to his former colleagues for help securing justice.
Harry Russell, of Addiscombe, died aged 82 in August 2013 from mesothelioma just two days after his diagnosis which his family believes was caused by his exposure to asbestos while employed by the council.
His family told lawyers Irwin Mitchell they remember him talking about working on the cooling towers at Taberner House, the former council HQ.
He also painted a number of public buildings including schools, old peoples' homes and childrens' homes while working for the council between 1964 and 1995.
Mr Russell's wife Gwen, 79 and two children, Sharon and Gary, have asked Irwin Mitchell's industrial disease experts to investigate the working conditions during his time working for the council.
Mrs Russell hopes his former workmates will come forward to tell lawyers about the measures put in place to protect workers from inhaling asbestos dust and fibres in this period.
She said: "I am still coming to terms with the loss of Harry, but I am determined to get justice for him and make sure those responsible for failing to protect him are held to account."
Sarah Wolf, of Irwin Mitchell, said: "The dangers of asbestos have been known for a long time, but sadly we continue to see examples where employers have failed to take responsibility for the safety of their workers.
"In this case, Harry paid the ultimate price for going to work every day to provide for his family, and suffered a significant amount of pain and distress in the final months of his life.
"We hope that his former workmates will come forward and provide information on how and where he was exposed to asbestos during his work, and what measures, if any, were put in place to prevent tradespeople working for Croydon Council from inhaling the deadly substance."
Mr Russell's daughter Sharon, 56, said her dad was an active man who spent lots of time in his garden and allotment growing fresh produce he gave to his family, friends and neighbours.
She added: "We are trying to do everything we can for mum and I have given up my career as PA to take care of her.
"There's no amount of money that could compensate for Dad's loss, but we want those who were responsible for his exposure to asbestos to be held to account for their lack of preventative measures, and for mesothelioma to be highlighted to employers and workers alike, so no more families need to go through what we have."
A Croydon Council spokeswoman said: "We would like to express our condolences to the family of Mr Russell. As this is now a legal matter we are unable to comment further at this time."
Anyone who worked with Harry at Croydon Council between 1964 and 1995 and has information on the working conditions is asked to contact Sarah Wolf on 0207 421 3968 or email Sarah.Wolf@IrwinMitchell.com
