A “fun and loving” scaffolder died of asbestos-related cancer just weeks after falling ill - and lawyers are now investigating his exposure to the hazardous material.
Michael Sladek, from Redcar, began suffering symptoms such as breathlessness in November 2023 - and was admitted to hospital after being sent straight to A&E by his GP.
The 65-year-old, who then worked as an estate manager looking after exotic birds, tragically did not return home, and died in hospital in December of that year.
Just five months later, an inquest confirmed that Michael died of mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer of the lining of the lung, usually related to asbestos exposure decades previously.
Following Michael’s death, his partner Lynn Mitchell instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.
Lynn described Michael as a “wonderful partner and my best friend.”
She said: “He was fun, loving, kind and considerate. While he enjoyed playing pool with his friends and in his younger years playing football, it was just us and we were each other’s worlds.
“We loved going on holidays together.”
The retired carer said it was “awful” seeing his condition deteriorate in his final weeks: “Everything seemed to move so quickly that it felt like we didn’t get to say goodbye properly.
“To be then told five months later that Michael had mesothelioma came as a real shock. Michael still had so many years to live, and we had so many plans for the future, but he was cruelly taken from me too soon.
“The hardest thing to accept is that I still have so many unanswered questions about how Michael contracted mesothelioma. It was only afterwards when researching the disease that I learned just how horrible it is.
“I know nothing will ever bring Michael back but I feel I owe it to him to at least find out where he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.”
Appeal to former colleagues
The 65-year-old is now appealing to Michael’s former colleagues to come forward with information about the conditions he faced in his career, hoping to find answers.
Michael went straight into scaffolding after leaving school, being employed by Tarmac Construction between 1975 and 1977 before working for GKN Mills Building Services from 1977 to 1984.
He worked at various sites across the country erecting scaffolding.
Emma Bell, the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Lynn, said: “Michael’s death is another terrible reminder of the legacy asbestos has created.
“What’s particularly upsetting for Lynn is not only the speed at which Michael’s condition deteriorated, but that he was also relatively young to die from mesothelioma.
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“While nothing can make up for Lynn’s loss, we’re determined to provide her with the answers she deserves.
“If any of Michael’s former workmates could come forward with information, it would mean a lot to Lynn and could provide her with the closure she’s hoping for.”
Anyone with information about the working conditions Michael faced should contact Stephanie Denham at Irwin Mitchell on 0191-434-0731 or by email at Stephanie.Denham@IrwinMitchell.com
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