Man with asbestos-related cancer ‘desperate’ for answers

A Suffolk man who was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer has issued a “desperate” plea for people to come forward to help him find answers about how he developed the illness.

Andrew Stevens, 62, from Stowmarket, started to feel unwell in September 2018.

Following a range of tests over three months, he was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma – a rare cancer of the lining of the abdomen linked to asbestos exposure.

Mr Stevens, who has been married to wife Jean for 20 years, said: “It has been a very anxious time in my life and I am worried about what the future holds.

“I have lost lots of weight and can’t do much around the house anymore, which has led to a lot of strain being put on Jean.

“We have also had to pay for support for things like gardening and decorating, and we have even had to cancel holidays because of how unwell I am.

“It has been incredibly difficult and I just really need answers as to how this has happened to me.”

After receiving the devastating news, Mr Stevens instructed legal experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and where he might have developed it.

Samantha Shaw, specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer, who represents Mr Stevens, said it would be good for people who have known him to get in touch.

“Andrew is desperate for some answers,” she added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Samantha Shaw at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office on 01223 791815 or by emailing here.