Settlement over Leeds man's asbestos-related cancer

Patrick Gannon was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2014 and died six months later, aged 84.

Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell, working on behalf of his family, have now secured a settlement from his former employer’s insurers and a contribution has been made to the cost of his care at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley.

Mr Gannon’s son Thomas, from Leeds, said: “Dad’s death has been difficult for us all to come to terms with and one of the primary reasons for taking legal action was to recoup the cost of care provided to dad at the Wheatfields Hospice. Thanks to Irwin Mitchell we have been able to do that.

“All of us have at some time been touched by a friend or family member who has been diagnosed with a type of cancer and we have seen the amazing job the dedicated staff at Wheatfields do to make people as comfortable as possible in their final days.”

Mr Gannon believed he was exposed to asbestos in the 30 years he spent working at George Cohen Machinery Limited, with his role including refurbishing boilers and pipework.

Irwin Mitchell’s Lucy Andrews, who acted for Mr Gannon’s family, said: “Mesothelioma causes over 2,500 deaths every year in the UK and causes a great deal of pain and suffering for victims like Patrick and his family.”