Heartfelt Journey of a Leeds Grandad Facing Mesothelioma

In the vibrant city of Leeds, a grandfather of two, Keith Render, is grappling with a life-altering diagnosis that turned his world upside down. This past year has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for the 83-year-old, who described this time as the ‘hardest in his life’.

It all began in August 2023 when Keith started feeling unwell. What followed was a series of medical investigations that culminated in a shocking diagnosis of mesothelioma, a terminal cancer linked to asbestos exposure, announced in January. The news has left Keith and his family heartbroken, as they grapple with the realities of this devastating illness.

Family is Everything

Despite the emotional toll the diagnosis has taken, Keith’s primary focus lies on making the most of the time he has with his loved ones. He has been happily married to his wife Patricia since 1962, and he cherishes every moment spent with their sons, Simon and Richard, as well as their grandchildren. “These last few months have been incredibly difficult,” Keith shared. “The diagnosis came as a complete surprise. Processing this reality has been challenging, but with the love and support of my family, I’m leaning towards seeking positivity and options for the future.”

One of Keith’s passions has always been gardening, golf, and being outdoors. He remains determined to continue enjoying these activities for as long as possible. “I’ve always found joy in the simple things, and I want to keep that alive,” he said with a hopeful smile.

A Quest for Answers

Since his diagnosis, a new determination has set in for Keith. He has chosen to pursue answers surrounding his exposure to asbestos by reaching out to the expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. Keith is particularly interested in reconnecting with anyone who may have worked alongside him at Fairburn & Lawson, where he was employed from 1955 until about 1962, and then at the Ministry of Defence, starting in 1966.

“I want to uncover more details about my asbestos exposure,” Keith said earnestly. “If anyone I used to work with is reading this, it would be wonderful to connect with them. I need to know the facts.”

The Reality of Mesothelioma

Keith’s situation sheds light on the harsh realities of mesothelioma, which is a cancer often diagnosed many years after the initial exposure to asbestos. Experts note that asbestos can have a legacy that impacts lives for decades, and Keith’s case serves as a poignant reminder of that chilling fact.

Keith worked diligently at the textile factory Fairburn & Lawson, particularly in the furnace department, which he recalls as a dusty environment. After that, he transitioned to the Ministry of Defence Ordnance Factory, where he spent 14 years as a welding inspector, including the construction of tank hulls before leaving in 1980. Both jobs raised concerns about potential exposure to asbestos.

Support and Outreach

Oliver Collett, a specialist lawyer supporting Keith, emphasizes the importance of understanding the history regarding asbestos exposure. “Keith is understandably still coming to terms with his diagnosis. His situation highlights the tragic legacy of asbestos-related conditions,” Collett stated. “While we’re committed to helping him navigate his journey, we also appeal for anyone with shared experiences at these workplaces to come forward. Your insight could make a significant difference.”

If you or someone you know has information that might assist Keith in his quest for answers, please reach out to Oliver Collett at Irwin Mitchell via email or phone. Every piece of information can be pivotal in the search for understanding.

As Keith faces this challenging chapter, his resilience shines through, reminding us all of the power of hope, love, and community.