A family in Weston-super-Mare is seeking clarity following the death of their father, Anthony Lovell, aged 85, who died last November from a lung condition likely caused by inhaling asbestos. The inquest into his death revealed that his incurable lung fibrosis was linked to probable asbestos exposure.
Anthony’s sons, Neil, 53, and Mark, 61, are determined to understand how their father might have been exposed to asbestos during his working life. The brothers recall their father as a warm and sociable man who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Neil reflected, “Dad was very close to us and was active for his age. He loved gardening, which was his pride and joy, and regularly socialised at local pubs such as the Regency and Conservative Club.”
His health declined rapidly when breathing difficulties emerged suddenly, which left his family shocked and seeking answers about the cause of his illness. According to the NHS, lung fibrosis causes scarring that impairs breathing and can be linked to long-term exposure to harmful dusts, including asbestos, though the precise cause remains unclear.
READ MORE: New Weston Recycling Centre Project Costs Exceed Birnbeck Pier Restoration
Anthony worked primarily in the Bristol and Weston-super-Mare areas in the building trade during the 1960s. He started his career at Arthur Scull & Son Ltd (later known as Drake & Scull Engineering Co Ltd), where he worked for around five years. He then moved to Plumbing and Heating Specialists Ltd for about a year. His roles involved handling roofing materials, insulation, and working with lead pipes, activities potentially involving asbestos exposure.
The family has engaged lawyers from Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether his occupational history contributed to his illness. Eleanor Phillip, a specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer with the firm, stated, “Anthony’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure, often becoming apparent many years later. His family, understandably seeking answers, have questions about how and where he might have been exposed.”
The Lovell family and legal team are encouraging anyone who worked with Anthony or remembers the working conditions he faced to come forward. Such information may be crucial in providing the family with clarity and closure.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Eleanor Phillip on 029 2097 2206 or by email at [email protected].
Drake & Scull Engineering Co Ltd and Plumbing and Heating Specialists Ltd have been approached for comment but are yet to respond.