A Tragic Legacy of Asbestos Exposure
Rick Oakes, a 67-year-old father-of-four from York, was known for his active lifestyle and love for golf. However, his life was cut short due to mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer that he developed after years of exposure while working as a joiner in schools across Kirklees, West Yorkshire. His family has recently secured £1 million in compensation following a legal battle against Kirklees Council, the local authority where he worked.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the organs and is caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease often takes years to develop after initial contact with the toxic material. Rick’s exposure occurred decades before his diagnosis, which was confirmed in February 2022. He passed away on July 4, 2024, after a two-year struggle with the illness.
An inquest concluded that Rick died of an industrial disease, with Kirklees Council admitting it failed to protect him from asbestos exposure during his employment. His widow, Rachel Oakes, 51, shared her grief and frustration, stating that Rick was fit and healthy before his diagnosis. She described how his condition gradually took away the things he loved, including playing golf and going on holidays with their family.
Rachel emphasized the emotional toll of watching Rick suffer: “Watching Rick suffer, knowing there was nothing we could do, was awful.” She added that while nothing can change what happened, the family felt compelled to continue the journey Rick started and seek the answers he deserved.
Rick began experiencing breathlessness in November 2021 and received his terminal diagnosis just three months later. Initially, he underwent chemotherapy through the NHS but later accessed private immunotherapy in 2023. Despite these efforts, his condition continued to worsen, and he eventually lost his battle with the disease.
Before his death, Rick had already initiated a legal case against Kirklees Council, which his family continued after his passing. His legal team argued that the council failed to protect him as an employee. The case was taken to the High Court, where the council admitted to a breach of duty, leading to the family receiving compensation.
Rachel shared that Rick was determined to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos. “He knew many believe it to be a historical issue, but asbestos is still present in a large number of buildings today, posing a risk if disturbed,” she said. She hopes that by sharing Rick’s story, more people will become aware of the ongoing risks associated with asbestos.
The family received support from various charities, including Mesothelioma UK and the Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Support Group. In 2023, Rachel organized a charity garden party in York that attracted 200 attendees and raised over £20,000 for organizations supporting those with terminal and asbestos-related illnesses.
A spokesperson for the family’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell highlighted the case as a reminder of the “terrible legacy” asbestos continues to have in public buildings. Partner and solicitor Nicola Handley stated, “The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Rick’s loved ones, who’ve understandably struggled first with his diagnosis of mesothelioma and then having to come to terms with his death.”
She added that while nothing can ever make up for what has happened, the family is pleased to have secured the answers they deserve. “We hope the settlement brings some form of closure to Rachel and the rest of Rick’s loved ones after what has been an incredibly distressing period.”
Kirklees Council has stated that it takes health and safety “extremely seriously.” According to reports from the BBC, the council claims its practices have evolved significantly over time. Officials mentioned that they now adhere to “the highest modern standards of safety in managing and monitoring asbestos in our buildings as part of a robust asbestos management plan.”
Kirklees Council has been contacted for further comment.
