TIME is running out for a man fighting for justice. Billy Lavender, 63, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly disease caused by exposure to asbestos, earlier this year.
He believes the exposure occurred while he was working as a fitter’s mate at the Rank Flour Mill – now the Baltic art gallery – during the 1960s and 70s.
Now the search is on to find former workmates who should be able to help him make a claim against his ex-employers.
And his solicitors, industrial illness specialists Irwin Mitchell, have released some photographs in a bid to jog some memories.
Mr Lavender, from Gateshead, had left shortly before the picture was taken in 1982, but many of his former colleagues will be in the snap.
Roger Maddocks, from the law firm, said: “It is a long time since the mill was closed and since this photograph was taken, but we hope this photo will jog some fading memories.
“Everyone who was in the photo was likely to have been given a copy, so maybe it will ring a bell with somebody.
“There will be those who worked in the mill itself who may have seen Mr Lavender working on pipework. There will be others who have seen him at work in the fitting shop or boilerhouse.
“Even the smallest piece of information might prove to be an essential piece in the jigsaw.
“Those who have provided witness statements to date remember Mr Lavender as being a quiet employee who could be seen working away in a variety of locations throughout the mill wearing his blue cap and overalls.
“Tragically we are fighting against the clock to secure compensation for a gentleman who has become an innocent victim of a terrible illness which could and should have been prevented.
“Mr Lavender’s case is yet another example of how devastating mesothelioma can be. It may lie dormant for decades but once it takes effect it is fast-acting and painful.”
Mr Lavender, also known as William, has picked out a joiner and two fitters he definitely worked with, though he cannot remember their names.
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