The son of a former Darlington plumber and heating engineer is appealing to his dad’s former workmates for help in discovering how he encountered the asbestos that he believes claimed his dad's life.

Miles Brown, from Mowden, Darlington, died after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following Miles’ death at 85, his son Dale Brown, instructed lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how his dad developed the illness and if it was linked to his work history.

Dale, 63, is appealing to his dad’s former workmates for information on the working conditions he might have faced during his career.

They are particularly keen to trace anyone who worked with Miles during his time at J Dawson Fawcett between 1966 and 1968, and again from 1969 to 1970.

When Miles was employed, the firm was based on Haughton Road in Darlington.

Miles also worked at Paton’s and Baldwins from 1968 to 1969. Paton’s and Baldwins were based in or around the Darlington area.

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Beth Liddle, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchel supporting Dale, said: “Miles’ death came as a shock to Dale and the rest of the family, who are still coming to terms with his passing. It’s yet another reminder of the terrible legacy that asbestos has created across the North East.

“Prior to his death, Miles told Dale that he believed he encountered asbestos during his working life and now he’s keen to hear from any of his dad’s former workmates to hear their recollections.

“While nothing can bring Miles back to his family, it would mean a lot to Dale if anyone with information on his dad’s working life could come forward. What they have to tell could be vital to Dale’s efforts to uncover the facts surrounding his dad’s asbestos exposure.

Miles spent a year working for Paton’s and Baldwins (P&B) in their factory at Darlington. The factory was based in the area now known as Lingfield House in Darlington. P&B was a famous knitting yarn manufacturer, with a 140-acre site in Darlington, and was once the largest wool factory in the world, employing thousands of people. Miles’ wife Mavis also worked at the factory.

In his spare time, Miles was quite active. He used to enjoy running, and acted as an athletics coach for Darlington Harriers.

Miles had always enjoyed good health until he began to experience symptoms including breathlessness and weight loss in or around 2019. Miles visited his GP and following numerous tests, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2022. Miles died on 13 November 2022.

Dale said: “Over a year on from dad’s death, the fact he’s no longer with us still hasn’t fully sunk in. Dad was a great man, with time for everyone and was never happier than when spending time with his friends and family. We all miss him so much.

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“Dad simply didn’t get the time to investigate his own asbestos exposure, but it’s something he spoke about a lot at towards the end and I think that was a message to me to undertake this on his behalf if I could.

“If any of dad’s old workmates could come forward with their memories of his working life I’d really appreciate it. Dad was sure he came into contact with asbestos but any additional information could be a massive help in establishing the truth.”

Anyone with information that could help Dale is asked to contact Beth Liddle at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 434 2047 or email beth.liddle@irwinmitchell.com.