The Tragic Legacy of Asbestos: A Family's Heartbreaking Plea for Answers

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News Summary

The Devall family seeks answers after the loss of Richie, who died from mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure during his career.

The Tragic Legacy of Asbestos: A Family’s Heartbreaking Plea for Answers

In a poignant reminder of the long-lasting impact of asbestos exposure, the family of Richie Devall is searching for answers after the sudden loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather. At the age of 78, Richie was diagnosed with mesothelioma—an aggressive and deadly cancer tied to asbestos—on April 6, 2022. Just three weeks later, he passed away surrounded by family. This devastating illness has left the Devall family grappling not only with their loss but with the questions surrounding Richie’s exposure to asbestos during his career.

Richie’s Asbestos-Linked Career

Richie worked as an apprentice electrical engineer at the Sizewell A Nuclear Power Station in Suffolk back in 1965. His work primarily involved tasks conducted in the turbine halls, an area notorious for the dangerous lagging materials used to insulate pipes—some of which contained asbestos. Although Richie left Sizewell A the same year, the power station operated until its closure in 2006, raising concerns about the residual effects of asbestos on former employees.

The Devall family is appealing to anyone who might have worked alongside Richie or has knowledge of the working conditions at Sizewell A during this period. Christine, his widow, along with their two sons and four grandchildren, is determined to collect any information which may assist in understanding the connection between Richie’s employment and his mesothelioma diagnosis. This tragic case is a stark reminder of how decades-old decisions in industries involving hazardous materials can echo through generations.

Life Beyond the Diagnosis

Known for his brilliance and ambition, Richie built a noteworthy career as an engineer and scientist specializing in guided missiles. After marrying Christine in 1966, the couple nurtured a loving family life that included their sons, Peter and Rob, along with four grandchildren, Liam, Rhiannon, and twins Florence and Betsy. Richie’s passion extended beyond engineering—he was a car enthusiast, having built his own car, the Burlington Arrow, and enjoyed sprint racing.

While Richie’s family treasures these memories, the emotional toll of his rapid decline after his lung issues began in 2022 has shaken them deeply. His diagnosis was like a thunderbolt, as the family rushed to adapt to the reality of his condition. As Christine reflects on her husband, she describes him as a caring and academic individual who would often think of others even at the most challenging moments.

Seeking Justice and Safety

Legal representation for the Devall family is being coordinated by a team to explore the possibility of seeking justice for Richie’s suffering. Rebecca Buxton, with experience dealing with asbestos-related cases, is helping Christine in the fight for information that could prove essential in piecing together Richie’s background at Sizewell A. Anyone who might hold valuable insights is encouraged to come forward to aid the family’s quest.

Demolition of Sizewell A: A Dual Narrative

As the Devall family works through their grief and seeks answers, the former site of Sizewell A is undergoing significant changes. The station has been actively decommissioned and demolished since its closure in 2006, with plans for its site repurposed by March 2025. Principal contractor Erith has completed over 45,000 work hours as part of the demolition project, which includes major tasks such as scaffolding removal and asbestos cleaning. A total of 8,000 scaffolding boards, clips, and pipes have been removed, resulting in nearly 2,500 tons of metal recycled.

This extensive demolition effort not only promises a reshaping of the skyline but also aims to generate an estimated £4.5 million from recycled materials. However, for families like the Devalls, the loss associated with asbestos-related diseases paints a sobering picture against a backdrop of progress. The decommissioning of sites like Sizewell A is a lengthy process, expected to stretch over a century, underscoring the long-term implications of asbestos usage in industrial settings.

Call to Action

The Devall family’s heart-wrenching journey exemplifies the ongoing struggle surrounding asbestos-related diseases in the UK. As the effects of this toxic material continue to unfold, the call for heightened awareness, support, and accountability resonates loudly. Anyone with knowledge of Richie’s work conditions at Sizewell A is urged to reach out to Rebecca Buxton for further assistance and to help shed light on this tragic chapter of his life.