The family of a former Southall factory employee have called for an investigation into whether his workplace may have been responsible for the illness that led to his death.

Allan Davies, 70, from Uxbridge, was diagnosed with cancer in April 2024. He died four weeks later, and a post-mortem examination confirmed he had mesothelioma..

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable cancer most commonly linked to asbestos exposure, often occurring decades after contact with the material..

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An inquest concluded that Mr Davies died as a result of an industrial disease. Following the verdict, his family instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to examine the circumstances of his exposure.

Mr Davies worked at the former Quaker Oats factory in Southall between 1976 and 2008. He began on the production line carrying out machinery maintenance before later becoming production manager. The site closed around 10 years ago.

His legal team is now appealing for information from anyone who worked at the company during that time, in the hope of understanding how and where asbestos exposure may have occurred.

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Emma Guy, at Irwin Mitchell, said:

"While the inquest has provided his loved ones with some answers, they still have concerns regarding where he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life."

"If anyone remembers working with Allan, or was employed at the same company, their coming forward could mean so much to his family and may prove vital to our investigation."

Mr Davies is survived by his wife Valerie, their three children and five grandchildren. Valerie, 71, said:

"I know nothing can bring Allan back, but the least I owe him is to honour his memory by establishing the answers he would have wanted."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Emma Guy at Irwin Mitchell on 0207 421 3931 or by email at emma.guy@irwinmitchell.com.

Image (of Allan Davies) credit: Sarah Demarco, daughter of Allan Davies