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27th April 2009

Search for Ascania’s crew

Did you work with Ronnie Arnott?

The family of a ship’s fireman who was exposed to asbestos while working on one of Cunard Line’s famous passenger ships is searching for his former work colleagues.

Ronnie Arnott, died aged 75 in August 2007, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and there is no cure.

It s believed that Ronnie, who left behind five children and 11 grandchildren, was exposed to asbestos while working as a stoker and fireman for Trafalgar House Steamship Company, formerly known as the Cunard Line, in Liverpool.

He lived in Everton, where he married his wife Irene (nee Devonport) at The Parish Church of Saint Saviours in 1956.

The couple later moved to Carluke in Lanarkshire.

Did you work in the engine room or boiler room of the Ascania?

Before he died Ronnie instructed asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors for advice about claiming compensation.

His son, also called Ronnie, is now continuing the claim at his father’s request.

Ronnie senior worked on board the steamship the Ascania (II) in 1954. The ship sailed the Liverpool to Montreal route transporting emigrants to Canada.

Thompsons are particularly interested in talking to anyone who worked in the engine room or boiler room of the Ascania. They are interested in any information about the working environment or hearing from anyone who may recall working alongside Ronnie.

Thompsons are also interested in talking to anyone who worked for Cunard in the Liverpool area.

Ronnie junior said: “My dad was ill for a long time before he was diagnosed with mesothelioma and suffered terribly until he died. He was determined to take some action against the company he believed exposed him to asbestos and he felt strongly about claiming compensation.

“We would urge anyone who knew my dad to step forward to help us to continue his fight.”

Thompsons Solicitors would like to talk to anyone who worked in Cunard’s land based premises in the Liverpool area

Helen Tomlin of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease caused only by exposure to asbestos.

“It is important that we trace Ronnie Arnott’s former workmates so we can build up an accurate description of his working conditions onboard the Ascania. We would also like to talk to anyone who worked in Cunard’s land based premises in the Liverpool area.”

Anyone who has any information should contact Helen Tomlin on 08000 224 224.

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate compensation claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.