THE grieving widow of a Cumbrian man is searching for answers from former workmates after her husband died from asbestos related cancer.

Paul Jackson, from Ambleside, began to feel unwell in August 2019 with what was initially thought to be a chest infection. After undergoing a series of tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs, in September 2019.

The disease is most associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades earlier.

Paul’s condition deteriorated and he died on December 12, 2019. He was just 50 years old.

At the time of his death, Paul and his wife Julie, 57, had been together for around 26 years and had two children.

“It’s been more than two years since I lost Paul but it’s still so painful and difficult to accept that he’s no longer here,” said Julie.

“He was still so young and we were looking forward to spending our retirement years together. It was devastating when our future was ripped away from us.

“Paul’s diagnosis was a huge shock to us, especially when we found it was caused by being exposed to asbestos. Sadly, he never got to find out where this could have happened, but it’s possible this was as a result of his work.

“While there’s no way I can turn back the clock, all I can do now is get the answers that Paul deserved. As such, I’d be so grateful for any help from his workmates.”

Experts at Irwin Mitchell are investigating Paul’s illness and whether it could have been linked to his work history. They are seeking information from anyone who may have worked alongside Paul during his time with construction company M A Beaumont, based in Cumbria.

Paul completed his apprenticeship with M A Beaumont during the mid to late 1980s.

During his time there he worked on the construction of schools in the area, and Julie believes he may have encountered asbestos at that time.

Solicitor Helen Jones said: “Through our work we know the use of asbestos was common in the construction industry as well as many public buildings such as schools, therefore we’d be grateful if anyone who remembers working with Paul could come forward with information on the conditions he faced. Any detail could prove vital to our investigation and provide Paul’s family with the answers and closure they deserve.”

Anyone with information that could assist with this case is asked to contact Helen Jones on 0191 279 0043 or by e-mail at helen.jones2@irwinmitchell.com.