Leeds Engineer Appeals for Support After Cancer Diagnosis
In the bustling city of Leeds, heartache and hope are intertwined as former engineer Keith Render faces a challenging battle following his diagnosis with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer linked to asbestos exposure. At 83 years old, this devoted father of two and grandad of two is reaching out to his former workmates to gather information to understand the origins of his illness.
A Shocking Diagnosis
Keith’s life took a terrifying turn when he received the diagnosis in January 2024. “These last few months have been some of the most difficult of my life,” he shared. “The mesothelioma diagnosis came as a complete surprise and has been hard for me and my family to accept, along with the realities of what this means for the future.”
After beginning his investigation into the correlation between his illness and his work history, he enlisted the help of expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. Together, they aim to connect with anyone who might have worked alongside Keith during his time at the Fairburn & Lawson plant in Wellington Street or the Ministry of Defence Ordnance Factory in Barnbow.
A Career in Engineering
Keith’s journey began in 1955 when he joined Fairburn & Lawson as an apprentice engineer. He flourished in this role for a full five years before becoming a qualified engineer. This Leeds-based company specialized in crafting machinery for the textile industry, and Keith worked in particularly dusty areas like the foundry’s furnace department and the machine shop. These environments undoubtedly exposed him to the notorious asbestos fibers that later contributed to his illness.
After his stint at Fairburn & Lawson, in 1966, Keith transitioned to the Ministry of Defence, working at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Barnbow. As a welding inspector, he played a crucial role in constructing hulls for the Centurion tanks. He remained there for 14 years before departing in 1980, but the memories of those dusty workshops linger on.
A Life Beyond Work
Outside of work, Keith is a family man who enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Patricia, whom he married in 1962, and their two sons, Simon and Richard. Besides being a loving father and grandfather, Keith is passionate about golf, gardening, and soaking up the great outdoors. “I’ve always loved gardening, golf and being outdoors, and I want to carry on doing as much as I can,” he said.
Seeking Connection and Answers
Now, as he navigates this difficult life chapter, Keith is reaching out to his past colleagues. “I want to use this time to find out more about my asbestos exposure,” he said. “If any of the people I used to work with could get in touch, it would be great to hear from them and could mean I get the answers I deserve.”
How You Can Help
If you worked with Keith at Fairburn & Lawson or the Royal Ordnance Factory and have any information, your insight could be invaluable. You can reach out to specialist lawyer Oliver Collett at Irwin Mitchell via email at Oliver.Collett@irwinmitchell.com or give him a call at 0113 394 6784.
Keith’s plea is a reminder of the lasting impact of occupational hazards and the importance of community support during challenging times. Every bit of information could help him and so many others who may find themselves in similar situations.
In a world where connections matter, reaching out could make a world of difference.
