Family of 'wonderful' Sheffield steelworker who died from suspected asbestos poisoning appeal for information
His family are asking for help as mysteries still surround the ‘heartbreaking’ death
The family of a steelworker who passed away from asbestos-related lung cancer have begun a quest for answers.
On April 28, 2025, after close to a year-long battle against illness, 82-year-old dad-of-three Roy Milnes died of mesothelioma.
This terminal cancer - often associated with historic asbestos exposure - was only diagnosed during a post-mortem, with an inquest later concluding that Roy died as a result of industrial disease.
Through the 1960s and 70s, Roy worked as a steel worker in Sheffield and Hepworth, while supporting his three children and wife of 59 years, Maureen.
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“Roy was an absolutely wonderful husband and dad,” 81-year-old Maureen said.
“He was the figurehead of our family and worked hard to provide for us.
“It was heartbreaking watching him become so unwell. We knew something was wrong, but nothing prepared us for us being told he had mesothelioma when he died. The last 12 months and coming to terms with his death and the circumstances surrounding it has been incredibly difficult.
“Our family isn’t the same without Roy.”
As the anniversary of Roy’s death approaches, the family - from Penistone, Barnsley - are appealing for information about Roy’s working environment as they fight for answers as to how the beloved dad died
Roy worked as a furnace wrecker at steel manufacturers Samuel Fox and Co - in Stocksbridge, Sheffield - between 1965 and 1967, before becoming a kiln firer at Hepworth Iron from 1968 to 1978.
Family believe he may have been exposed to asbestos when stripping – and potentially rebuilding or relining – furnaces at Samuel Fox and Co, as well as through general exposure in the working environment such as from lagged pipes.
It is suspected Roy may have been exposed to asbestos from lagged steam pipes and from inside kilns which were used for drying clay pipes at Hepworth.
Roy - who had three children; 59-year-old Dawn, Sharron, 57, and Paul, aged 56 - began to feel unwell in the summer of 2024 and was admitted to hospital suffering with breathlessness, fatigue and reduced mobility.
However, once discharged he continued to deteriorate - later dying at Barnsley Hospice on April, 28, 2025.
“We still miss him every day,” Maureen added.
“We know nothing can bring him back, but we just want answers about how he was exposed to asbestos. It’s the least he deserves and finding out the truth will also provide some form of closure for us.
“I’d never heard of mesothelioma until I was told of Roy’s diagnosis, but our family now knows first-hand how dreadful an illness it is.
“If anyone who worked with Roy can remember the conditions or materials being used at the time, it would mean so much to us.”
The family have been working with specialist asbestos‑related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and where his asbestos exposure took place.
Maureen will be joining her legal team, who hope to use Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28 - the anniversary of Roy’s death - to appeal to her husband’s ex-colleagues for information about the working conditions he faced.
Nick Woods, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Maureen, said: “Roy’s death is another tragic reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created. What’s particularly distressing for Maureen and the family is that Roy’s diagnosis was only confirmed after he had died.
“While nothing can make up for their loss, we’re determined to provide them with the answers they deserve.
“If any of Roy’s former workmates could come forward with information about the conditions he faced, it could prove vital in establishing how he was exposed and would mean a great deal to his loved ones.”