Appeal for memories from London Underground and Plessey Workers after a mesothelioma death
Posted: 19th Feb 26 2:44 PM
The family of Colin Nicholson, a former engineer, is appealing for help from anyone who worked for London Transport Executive in the late 1950s or The Plessey Company (UK) Limited in the early 1960s, after he died from the terminal asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma aged 85.
With support from Alderstone Solicitors, Colin’s family is bringing an industrial disease compensation claim to secure justice and support his family’s future.
To be able to do so, his family needs help from anyone who remembers working on London Underground between 1956-1961 or the Plessey Company (UK) Limited Factory in Ilford between 1961 and 1964.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable cancer
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable cancer caused by breathing in asbestos fibres, often decades earlier. The disease leaves victims breathless, exhausted and increasingly dependent on others for everyday care.
Colin’s wife, Patricia says: “Colin used to be so active. It has been devastating to watch him become so breathless and so weak. This illness has taken so much from him, and from us.”
You or a family member may have worked alongside Colin and know of the working conditions and presence of asbestos. Or you or a family member may have worked on London Underground or at the Plessey factory in Ilford and may have memories of the use and presence of asbestos materials.
Colin began a five-year apprenticeship with the London Transport Executive in 1956, aged 16. He worked as a trainee Railway Signal Engineer, based at Earls Court Depot and worked extensively across the London Underground network.
He recalls working in and around signal boxes and inside underground tunnels, carrying out electrical maintenance and repairs. Asbestos was a commonly used material during this era.
After completing his apprenticeship in 1961, Colin moved to the Plessey Factory in Ilford, working in the electronics development. He distinctly remembers asbestos-lagged pipes throughout the factory. Asbestos lagging was widely used in industrial buildings for thermal insulation during this period.
Mesothelioma is cruel and devastating
Joanne Keen, Specialist Asbestos & Industrial Disease Solicitor from Alderstone Solicitors, says: “Mesothelioma is a cruel and devastating cancer. After so many decades it is vital that we gather evidence from those who remember the working conditions of the time. We would be extremely grateful if anyone with a good recollection of working for London Transport Executive or Plessey in the late 1950s and early 1960s could come forward. Your information – even small details – could make a significant difference for Colin and his family. Your details will remain confidential.”
You may be able to help if you worked:
• For London Transport Executive, particularly around Earls Court Depot or in the wider Underground network between 1956 and 1961.
• Or, at The Plessey Company (UK) Limited factory in Ilford between 1961 and 1963/64.
You may have worked alongside Colin, or you may simply remember the presence of asbestos materials, asbestos-lagged pipes or the working conditions in those areas.
If you have any memories of working for London Transport Executive (1956–1961) or The Plessey Company (UK) Limited in Ilford (1961–1963/64), or have information about asbestos use in these workplaces, please contact Joanne Keen at Alderstone Solicitors on 01244 688 762 or alternatively, email jkeen@alderstonesolicitors.co.uk.
Your assistance may help Colin and his family achieve the justice they deserve. Your details will be kept confidential, and your help could make a significant difference.
