Notice: Family’s Appeal After Asbestos-Related Cancer Death

Published on: 21 Jul, 2022
Updated on: 21 Jul, 2022

Lawyers Slater & Gordon has contacted The Guildford Dragon NEWS appealing for help to find for witnesses for Rodney Boucher who died from mesothelioma.

A spokesperson for the lawyers said: “It would be a great support to the family if you could help us in an attempt to find witnesses.”

The full statement from Slater & Gordon is published below.

Father of Sarah Edwards, Rodney Boucher died on November 20, 2021, aged 79. The cause of death was mesothelioma – a cancer in the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibres.

Rodney Boucher.

Mr Boucher died just two months after he first developed symptoms, which included a chesty cough and breathlessness.

Mr Boucher worked for Billing & Sons Ltd in Guildford between 1961 and 1964 where he completed his apprenticeship as a printer. From 1971 to 2000, he worked at Seven Corners Press Ltd in Guildford.

His family and its legal team believe it is possible he was exposed to asbestos during this time. Tiny asbestos particles, which were used extensively in a range of products and building materials until 1999 cause the fatal cancer to develop decades later, after lying dormant in the body. Mesothelioma is one cancer that can be caused when asbestos particles are inhaled.

The family is urging Rodney’s former colleagues or anyone with information about the working conditions at either place of employment to come forward to assist Slater & Gordon’s investigation of the case.

Printers Billing & Sons Ltd premises in Walnut Tree Close during its clearing up operation after the September 1968 floods.

Nicky Howe, Associate at Slater & Gordon, said: “Whilst we have successfully dealt with numerous mesothelioma cases, unfortunately, Rodney passed away before we were able to discuss his experiences. We are keen to ascertain more information on the conditions he worked in whilst at both Billing & Sons and Seven Corners Press in order to help Mr Boucher’s family get the answers they deserve.”

If you worked with Rodney at Billing & Sons Ltd between 1961 and 1964 and / or at Seven Corners Press Ltd between 1971 and 2000 or have any information about these companies’ using asbestos, please contact Nicky Howe on 0330 995 5193 or email nicky.howe@slatergordon.uk.