THE daughter of a former joiner is making a heartfelt appeal for information on how her father could have developed the illness that killed him.

Ken Newton died in September 2018 at the age of 86 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma – a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs, caused by exposure to asbestos which often occurs decades earlier.

From 1971 to 1996 he had worked as a joiner for Macclesfield Borough Council, which covered Knutsford and Wilmslow before it was replaced by Cheshire East Council in 2009.

Following Ken's death, his daughter Lynne Murrell instructed experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her father’s illness, and she is now appealing to any of his former colleagues to come forward with information on the working conditions he faced.

“While nothing can turn back the clock and bring dad back to us, we need to find out what led to his death," she said.

Knutsford Guardian: Ken's death in 2018 was caused by asbestos cancer and his family want answersKen's death in 2018 was caused by asbestos cancer and his family want answers

"Although he is no longer here with us, these are answers that he deserved.

"During dad’s time with the Macclesfield Council, his workmates called him Gunner or Gunner Newton as he had done voluntary work with the Territorial Army and Army Cadets.

"We would really appreciate it if anyone who remembers him could come forward."

Ken regularly worked on domestic and commercial council properties around the area, including at the Moss Rose Estate in Macclesfield, where he cut asbestos boards as part of maintenance work in council houses.

At the time of his death, Ken was a widower, having lost his wife Pamela in 2013.

He left behind two daughters, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Lynne said: “When dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it felt like the ground had been pulled out from beneath us. We had already lost mum and this was another devastating blow to the family.

Knutsford Guardian: Ken became a widower in 2013 following the death of his wife PamelaKen became a widower in 2013 following the death of his wife Pamela

“We had to watch dad deteriorate before our eyes and it was heart-breaking.

"Prior to the illness, he had been such a keen dog walker and loved his dog, Elsa, who he walked every day.

"But by the end, he found it impossible to take her out as much as he wanted, and we could see how much it upset him."

Armon Momenabadi, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Lynne, added: “Ken’s diagnosis understandably came as a shock to his family, and losing him to such a horrible disease has been incredibly difficult for them.

“Through our work, we sadly come across many people whose lives are affected by asbestos-related cancer such as mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos during their working years.

READ > Can I go to the tip in Knutsford during lockdown?

“Sadly, Ken is no longer here to be a part of our investigation, but we are determined to get the answers that Lynne needs as to how her dad went on to develop mesothelioma.

"We would therefore be grateful to hear from anyone who may have worked alongside Ken while he was employed by Macclesfield Borough Council from the early 1970s to the late 1990s. Any detail, no matter how small, could prove vital."

Anyone with information that may assist with this case is asked to call Armon Momenabadi on 0161 838 3099 or email armon.momenabadi@irwinmitchell.com