Devastated Sheffield family launch search for answers after asbestos-related death of "completely devoted" dad
“Roger’s family remain devastated by his death, which is another reminder of the dreadful legacy asbestos has created”
A devastated family has released a desperate plea for information after a “completely devoted” dad died from suspected asbestos exposure.
Roger Knightley, from Gleadless Valley, died in July 2025 after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer.
The 84-year-old initially presented with shortness of breath in 2022 and suffered for years as he battled the cancer, which is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
His daughter, Emma Knightley, said that during that time he lost his ability to walk long distances and recalls how “devastating” it was to see him become unable to take part in his passions.
“Dad was completely devoted to his family and meant everything to us,” Emma, 52, said behalf on the family.
“He loved us all dearly and spending time together as a family especially his grandsons, whom he adored and was very proud of.
“He had such a passion for life. Running was a huge part of that, and he and his friend would travel all over the country taking part in park runs together. He was always at Graves Park every Saturday.
“Dad was also a brilliant artist and a master joiner who took great pride in making things with his hands. To see him go from being so active to struggling to even walk short distances was devastating.”
Emma and sister Helen Harmston, aged 54, are now working with asbestos-related disease legal experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how his cancer came to be.
Before his retirement, Roger worked with J F Finnegan & Co Ltd, from 1961 to 2005, with legal experts particularly keen to hear from anyone with information of his work at the time.
He carried out various refurbishment works while employed at the now-defunct construction company, which was based on Ecclesall Road before dissolving in 2025.
“Losing him in the way we did has been incredibly hard and we’re still trying to come to terms with it as a family,” Emma added.
“We’d not even heard of mesothelioma before dad’s diagnosis but we now know how terrible it is
“If anyone has any information about the work dad did or remembers working with him, we’d be grateful if they came forward. It could make such a difference in helping us understand what happened to dad.”
Roger’s work while employed by J F Finnegan & Co included removing old materials and installing new ones, including sheeting and lagging from pipes suspected to have contained asbestos.
He had worked at a number of sites across the city, including Weston Park Hospital where his work saw him handle construction projects.
Irwin Mitchell said the firm is “determined” to get answers about the death of the grandfather-of-two.
Kerry Ford, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Roger’s family, added: “Roger’s family remain devastated by his death which is another reminder of the dreadful legacy asbestos has created.
“Understandably they have many questions about how he was exposed and whether more could have been done to protect him. While many people associate asbestos with heavy industry, its use was widespread across construction sites and public buildings.
“Nothing can make up for their loss, but we’re determined to support Roger’s family in getting the answers they deserve.”