4:16pm Monday 28th January 2008
By Staff reporter
A FORMER Wirral merchant seaman, who is suffering from terminal cancer after allegedly being exposed to asbestos whilst working onboard a number of ships, is appealing for ex-colleagues to come forward and help in his legal battle for compensation.
David Lawrence Robinson, 77, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the fatal asbestos-related disease, in July 2007.
Mr Robinson, known as Robbie to his friends, is thought to have been exposed to asbestos dust while working for Thos. & Jas. Harrison Ltd/Charente Ltd from 1948 to 1951 and again from 1964 to 1966.
Mr Robinson sailed on board merchant navy ships, which were owned by Liverpool based Charente Ltd.
Mr Robinson worked as a purser and sailed out of Liverpool docks on a number of ships including The Historian, The Linguist, The Novelist and The Philosopher.
Mr Robinson, who is now retired and living in Exeter, Devon, with his wife Margaret, has launched a claim for compensation against his former employers who are still trading.
Mr Robinson said: "There was asbestos lagging all over the steam ships as all the steam pipes were insulated with asbestos.
"A lot of the ships were very old and the lagging was in a poor condition as it had deteriorated over time.
"I always assumed I would have years ahead of me to spend with my family and friends.
"However, my family and I have now got to try to come to terms with the fact that there is no cure for this cancer."
Hayley Hill, from the Birmingham office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell, is representing Mr Robinson in his legal battle. She said: "The diagnosis of mesothelioma came as a terrible shock to Mr Robinson and his family.
"While no amount of compensation will ever make up for Mr Robinson contracting this industrial disease, it is vital in order for him and his family to obtain some recompense, that people who have information concerning the working practices and conditions on board ships owned by Charente Ltd or managed by Thos. & Jas. Harrison Ltd, come forward to help us with our enquiries."
Anyone with information which may be helpful should contact Hayley Hill at Irwin Mitchell solicitors on 0870 1500 100.
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