Bedale family appeal after joiner’s asbestos-related death

Allan Watson, 77, from Well near Bedale, died after being diagnosed with asbestosis, an incurable scarring of the lungs which is linked to breathing in asbestos fibres, often decades previously.

His family has instructed specialist lawyers to investigate the circumstances of his exposure and are now calling on former colleagues to come forward with any information that could help explain how Mr Watson became exposed to the toxic material during his career.

The family of Allan Watson, a 77-year-old joiner from Well near Bedale died of an asbestos-related disease (Image: Supplied)

The appeal is particularly urgent for anyone who worked alongside him at NE Banthorpe and F Parkinson Limited, the latter of which was involved in the refurbishment of Catterick army barracks.

Ellie Walker, an asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Allan’s death is another tragic reminder of the legacy asbestos has left behind.”

Mr Watson, a father of three and grandfather of six, worked for N.E Banthorpe between 1962 and 1965.

Allan Watson, a 77-year-old joiner from Well near Bedale, who died from asbestosis (Image: Supplied)

During this time, he is believed to have cut asbestos-containing boarding with a circular saw while working as an apprentice joiner.

He later joined F Parkinson Ltd—which had offices in Harrogate—on several occasions between the 1960s and 1990, eventually rising to the role of site manager.

During his employment, he helped to oversee multiple refurbishment projects, including spending many months refurbishing the housing and maritime quarters at Catterick Barracks in the 1960s and 1970s.

In 2024, Mr Watson began experiencing symptoms such as breathlessness and a persistent cough.

He was diagnosed with asbestosis on October 31, 2024, and died on New Year’s Eve.

An inquest held in April confirmed his death was the result of industrial disease.

Ms Walker said: “What’s particularly upsetting for Lynn and the family is the speed at which Allan’s condition deteriorated, and the unanswered questions they have about his asbestos exposure.

“Even though Allan’s work took place decades ago, the risks of asbestos were still well-known and employers had a duty to ensure the safety of their employees.

“While nothing can make up for their loss, we’re determined to provide Allan’s family with the answers they deserve.

“If any of Allan’s former workmates could come forward with information, it would mean a great deal to Lynn and her family and could provide them with the closure they’re hoping for.”

Mr Watson is remembered as a devoted family man with a passion for bonsai trees, which he cultivated for more than 40 years.

He was also a keen ukulele player and regularly attended a weekly group in Bedale.

His daughter, Lynn Cummings, 53, said: “Our dad was a wonderful and hard-working man.

“He was warm, kind and generous and worked to provide for his family.

“He was still relatively healthy and active for his age.

“When he started complaining of symptoms last year we never expected to go through the events that unfolded.

“Nothing prepared us for the news that he had asbestosis.

“One of the hardest things to come to terms with is how quickly he deteriorated.

“Dad went from being the head of the family and the person everyone looked up to for help and guidance to someone reliant on others.

“He went downhill so quickly after his diagnosis that it feels like we never got to say goodbye properly.”

The family hopes that answers about Mr Watson’s exposure could bring some sense of closure.

Ms Cummings said: “If anyone who remembers him from his working days could come forward with information it would mean so much to our family.”

Anyone with information about Mr Watson’s employment or working conditions is asked to contact Ellie Walker at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 394 6816 or by email at Ellie.Walker@IrwinMitchell.com.