The family of a Caerphilly teacher and headteacher, Mr Peter Richards, is appealing for help from anyone who worked at, attended, or carried out maintenance at a number of schools in the Caerphilly area.
[Photos of Mr Peter Richards]
Mr Richards sadly passed away last year after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Our specialist asbestos solicitors have been instructed by Mr Richards’ family to investigate how and where he was exposed to asbestos.
As part of those investigations, we are seeking information from former colleagues, pupils, contractors, caretakers and anyone else who may have knowledge of asbestos-containing materials, building works or maintenance carried out at the schools where Mr Richards worked.
Mr Richards taught at the following schools during his teaching career:
- Twyn Boys Secondary Modern School, Caerphilly (1961–1963)
- Twyn Junior School, Caerphilly (1963–1983)
- Lansbury Park Junior School, Caerphilly (1983–1985)
- T’yn Y Wern Junior School, Caerphilly (1985–1993)
Mr Richards’ daughter, Sian, said:
“My dad was a much-loved teacher and headteacher, and teaching was his passion. It is devastating that the job he loved may have ultimately cost him his life through his exposure to asbestos.
We want to understand how he was exposed in what should have been a safe environment and encourage anyone with information to come forward. We also hope our appeal encourages others in similar situations to seek support and care as early as possible. We would never want another family to experience the pain and suffering he and we endured.”
Lauren Allen, Asbestos Litigation Solicitor, said:
“We are hoping to assist this family by tracing anyone who may have knowledge of the conditions within these schools around a similar time to when Mr Richards taught.
If you worked at or attended any of these schools, and have any information regarding asbestos-containing materials at these schools, we would be very grateful to hear from you. Even seemingly minor details could prove invaluable in helping us establish how Mr Richards was exposed to asbestos and assist his family in seeking the answers they deserve.”
