Last updated 12:09, Thursday, 14 August 2008

THE widow of a former BNFL worker has received an undisclosed six figure in compensation after her husband died from an asbestos related disease.

By Jeff Connor page 5 Pic

Mr Rumney, who left behind four children, four grandchildren and a great granddaughter, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2007. He died three weeks later.

Mr Rumney worked for BNFL for 40 years after training to be an electrician with the company between 1952 and 1957.

He returned to work at the Sellafield site in 1960 until he retired in 1994. He lived in Egremont.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for the disease, which can lie dormant for 40 years.

He felt strongly about claiming compensation for his condition. His wife, Norma, instructed asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors to take up the claim following his death.

Mrs Rumney, who also worked at Sellafield and was married to Ronald for 50 years, said he would be satisfied the case has now been settled.

She said: “When Ronald was told he had mesothelioma and had only weeks to live we were devastated. He knew he had been exposed to asbestos at Sellafield and was determined that justice be done.

“Unfortunately his tumour was so aggressive he died shortly afterwards and I vowed to continue the fight.

She said: “I’d like to thank all of his colleagues who came forward as witnesses to help us with the case.

“They helped prove how Ronald was exposed to asbestos at Sellafield.”

Joanne Candlish, client representative at Thompsons Solicitors, added: “It was very important for Mrs Rumney to bring this case to a successful conclusion.”