Family in quest to solve riddle over former Doncaster factory workers' death

Nearly three years on from his death, the family of Derek Cooke who died in May 2017, remain committed to finding the answers that could further explain how he died.

Mr. Cooke died aged 71, only two months after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma - a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is most commonly linked to the exposure of asbestos materials.

Derek, from South Kirkby, Pontefract, worked as a settler for the tractor manufacturer International Harvester Co, from 1963 to 1982, at the Wheatley Hall site in Doncaster.

The job involved setting up and repairing machines that would often include lathes and drilling equipment.

Derek left behind his wife of 48 years, Rita Cooke, his daughter Gail, 45, son Carl, 47, and two grandchildren.

His family remain devastated for the loss of their adored father figure and continue to seek answers in the hope of finding out where he was exposed to the asbestos that caused his death.

Rita said: "Derek was the most loving and caring husband and father who was adored by all his family.

"Almost three years on from his death it is still so hard to accept that he is no longer with us. What makes it harder is how quickly he was taken from us. We had not yet come to terms with his diagnosis when he died.

"Our family feel like we never even got the opportunity to say goodbye to him properly and it was terrible to see how the cancer took hold.

"We know nothing can bring him back but we would at least like to honour his memory by finding out where he was exposed to the asbestos that caused his death.

"We would be very thankful to anyone who might have information regarding International Harvester, as this could make a huge difference to our search for answers."

Prior to his death, he told law firm Irwin Mitchell, how the work would often take him into areas where pipework was lagged. He added that the site in general was a very dusty environment and workers' overalls and skin would be covered by the end of the day.

Legal expert at Irwin Mitchell, Hannah Robinson, currently representing Derek's family, said: "Through our work, we have seen how asbestos and the terrible illness that it causes have had a huge effect on so many people. Derek's case is another reminder of this.

"In it's heyday, International Harvesters was one of Doncaster's largest employers and employed hundreds of people in the area.

"Derek's family remain desperate for answers with regards to how he developed the illness that claimed his life. Therefore we would be grateful to anyone who may be able to help Rita and the rest her family get some kind of closure regarding Derek's death."

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Hannah Robinson at Irwin Mitchell's Leeds office on 0113 394 6842.