Wakefield Hospice gets £10K funding boost after asbestos lawyers recover care costs of former patient

Alan Jackson passed away aged 75 on October 22, 2016 after a three-month battle with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.

Before his death, Mr Jackson spent time as a patient at Wakefield Hospice, with staff at the site helping to control his pain medication and providing a range of support to both him and his loved ones.

After he passed away, Mr Jackson's wife, Christine, asked specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers to investigate how he came to be exposed to asbestos.

The legal team successfully secured a settlement after it was thought his exposure was likely to have taken place during his time as an apprentice pipefitter/boilermaker between 1956 and 1960.

In addition, a landmark legal judgment secured in a previous case run by Irwin Mitchell allows for the costs of care to be recovered during a claim for asbestos exposure.

As a result, the Wakefield Hospice has been presented with a cheque for £10,000, as a contribution towards the care provided to Mr Jackson during his final weeks.

Lucy Andrews, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents the Jackson family, said: “Sites like Wakefield Hospice play an important role in many people’s lives and they provided vital support to Alan in the final weeks of his life.

“The work done should be recognised and we are pleased to have been able to secure these funds for Wakefield Hospice through our efforts.

"We hope that it proves to be a major boost as they continue to provide support to countless families across the months and years ahead.”

Mr Jackson had two spells at Wakefield Hospice as he battled his asbestos-related illness and the first saw him admitted in late August 2016 for six weeks.

He was then re-admitted weeks later on the of October 21, with his family sleeping in the same room as him during the night.

He sadly passed away at 12.40pm the following day.

Mrs Jackson, 71, said: “Alan was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather and the entire family misses him so much. We used to do everything together and would go out regularly, including to the coast at least once a week during the winter and at least twice a week in the summer.

“Alan was also very handy around the home and we would take our dog Gracie out for walks together. I still can’t believe he is gone.

“The final months of his life were very difficult and it was awful seeing him in so much pain, but he really did get some great support when he was at Wakefield Hospice.

“While nothing will bring him back, it is only right that the support that they offered is recognised. We hope it makes a real difference and helps plenty of other patients in the future.”

Tina Turner, CEO of the hospice, said: “It’s our privilege to have been able to support Alan and his loved ones during this most difficult time.

“Wakefield Hospice has been established for 30 years, and the care and compassion we offer to local people is the legacy of all who have supported us over this time.

“Without the generosity of people like Alan and Christine, we would not be able to continue, and we are all so grateful to them.”