Family tribute to great grandfather who lost asbestos-related cancer battle a month after diagnosis

Tributes have been paid to an ‘amazing’ great grandfather who tragically died a month after he was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer.

Albert Foster, aged 85, was told he had mesothelioma in 2019. And having worked as a sheet worker, he contacted lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

However, just a month later he died while living at St Peter’s Hospice in Brentry.

This week, after Mr Foster’s family received a settlement, £11,050 was given to the hospice in memory of the great grandfather-of-two.

Mr Foster’s granddaughter Sarah Vernon, 42, took on his quest for answers after his death.

She said: “Granddad was an amazing man and his family were his pride and joy. Before his diagnosis he was still active for his age and enjoyed decorating and gardening but above all playing with his great-grandchildren.

“Grandad was so committed to his case, he insisted on going through the papers with me while he was in St. Peter’s, despite his illness and having little time left.

“It was this determination that made us realise we had to carry on his search for the truth in his memory.

“He was the kind of man who would have wanted to do something for St. Peter’s and it’s a comfort to know he got his wish in the end. The staff were there for Granddad, they were there for us as a family and we can’t thank them enough for all they did.”

Over the past year, Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol-based team has recovered more than £93,000 for South West hospices, and have been helping to improve St Peter’s gardens in recognition of its clients.

Irwin Mitchell’s Isabelle Selley has been supporting Albert’s family.

She said: “Mesothelioma is a dreadful illness the impact of which is often only discovered many years after exposure to asbestos has taken place.

“While nothing can make up for the pain [Albert’s family] continue to feel, we’re pleased that we’ve been able to recover this settlement for them…and that we’ve been able to recover costs that will ensure St. Peter’s can offer the same care to patients in the future.”