Family of Sheffield steel worker appeal for information after asbestos-related cancer death
“While nothing will bring Frank back, we need to get the answers”
The family of a “wonderful husband, dad and grandad” who passed away following a short battle with terminal cancer believed to have been caused by asbestos exposure is appealing for information about his historic working conditions.
Frank Ward, of Norton, Sheffield, died just weeks after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in December 2024, a form of cancer on the lining of the lung often associated with exposure to asbestos.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Now, the 77-year-old’s family and loved-ones - including widow Ann, son Ross and daughter-in-law Clare - have instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his death.
Ann, 79, said: “Frank was the most wonderful husband, dad and granddad and he was so devoted to his family. Equally, he meant everything to us and losing him so quickly after he was diagnosed was heart-breaking.
“Before he fell ill, he was generally pretty active and enjoyed sport, spending time at our caravan in Lincolnshire and gardening. He was also a keen amateur magician and was so proud supporting our grandsons Oscar and Harry in everything they did.
“To see his health decline was devastating. The hardest thing to accept is that we feel we didn’t get to say goodbye to Frank properly because of how quickly he deteriorated.
“While nothing will bring Frank back, we need to get the answers. We’d be so grateful if anyone could help; it would mean a great deal.”
Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to contact Rebecca Wood at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 294 7920 or by e-mail at [email protected]
They have already been working with his ex-colleagues to understand the conditions he faced, and are particularly keen to hear from anyone that worked alongside Frank at the River Don Steel Works in Attercliffe from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Later in his career, Frank became plant inspector and recalled working around boilers and pipework which he believed were lagged with asbestos.
He also worked with heat proof blankets which were used as heat shields which Frank believed contained asbestos, and wore asbestos gloves.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Rebecca Wood, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Frank’s family, said: “Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer associated with exposure to asbestos, with Frank’s death yet another tragic reminder of its terrible legacy.
“His loved ones remain deeply affected by their loss and are now seeking answers to help establish how he came to develop this awful disease.
“As part of our investigation, we’d be keen to hear from anyone that worked alongside Frank during his employment with River Don Steel Works, particularly those who can provide information on the nature of maintenance and repair work undertaken at the site.
“Nothing can make up for their loss but we’re determined to at least provide Frank’s family with the answers they deserve.”