Family of former Bristol Siddeley Engines Ltd and BOAC worker launches appeal after his death from asbestos disease

Paul Curran, the son of Norman Curran, has issued an emotional appeal for help following his death from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos.  The appeal is to former workers at Bristol Siddeley Engines Ltd in Coventry and BOAC in London in the 1950s-1980s.

Norman worked between 1952 – 1965 for Bristol Siddeley Engines. He was employed as a service engineer, working in hangars and wind tunnels on the Viper engine for the Jet Provost.

He then worked between 1965 and 1985 at BOAC as a flight engineer on Britannias, Boeing 707s and Boeing 747s.  It was an in-flight cockpit-based role with tarmac checks of engines and brakes pre and post flight.

We are appealing to anyone who worked with Norman between 1952 and 1985 or who worked at either of the above sites and who may have knowledge of the asbestos use by the company either within the engines and brake products and/or on the sites Norman worked at including any maintenance works and/or refurbishment works that were carried out during his employment.

Sadly, Norman died in July 2020.  His condition progressed rapidly and, although mesothelioma was suspected during his lifetime, this was confirmed following a post-mortem shortly after his death.

Paul says: “My family are devastated by Dad’s death as he deteriorated so quickly so that he was fully dependent on others, this was very upsetting and the whole family miss him very much.”

Paul has instructed specialist asbestos disease solicitor Rebecca Ryan of Novum Law to assist with his search for justice.

Rebecca said:

“Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer which causes significant suffering for its victims and their families. It doesn’t usually develop until many years after exposure to asbestos and can typically take anything from 15 to 60 years. Unfortunately, thousands of people die each year as a result of just going about their everyday lives, working to make a living and being exposed to dangerous asbestos dust.

“Understandably, Paul’s family were extremely upset to learn that Norman’s premature death was caused by exposure to asbestos, and we are really hoping that this witness appeal for information will help us find some answers for them.”

If you have any information that may assist Paul and his family, please call Novum Law free on 0800 884 0777 or email Rebecca Ryan on: rryan@novumlaw.com.