Family seeks answers after Billingham man dies from asbestos cancer

Paul Crossley, 67, Dies After Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Paul Crossley, a lifelong resident of Billingham, died in July 2025. He passed away just two weeks after being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

Mr. Crossley was 67 years old and had retired only a few months earlier in November 2024 after a 55-year career as a metal plater.

Family Believes Asbestos Exposure Occurred Early in Career

His family believes he was exposed to asbestos early in his career during an apprenticeship with Swan Hunter Ltd, a shipbuilding company in the Teesside area.

Steven Dickens, a partner at Leigh Day representing Mr. Crossley’s family, said, “Paul died just a couple of weeks after his diagnosis with peritoneal mesothelioma.”

Mr. Dickens added, “Because of the swift and aggressive nature of his illness, we were unable to speak with him before his death.”

Witness Appeal for Information

Mr. Dickens expressed hope that a witness appeal could lead to more information about Mr. Crossley’s working environment. He said, “We would like to hear from Paul’s colleagues at Swan Hunter Ltd in the early 1970s, who may be able to provide more detail about the possible presence of asbestos.”

He also mentioned, “We are keen to hear from anyone who worked with Paul during his 55-year career, who may recall working with Paul in circumstances where he was exposed to asbestos.”

Career Highlights and Investigation

Mr. Crossley, known to many as ‘Harry the Spider,’ began his metal plating career in 1970 and spent his entire working life in the Teesside area. During his time at Swan Hunter Ltd, he is believed to have worked on the ‘Cleveland Project.’

Research by the family’s legal team suggests this likely involved work at the Port Clarence Shipyard, near the Tees Transporter Bridge. After leaving Swan Hunter Ltd, Mr. Crossley continued to work in heavy industry, including on power stations and oil refineries across the region.

Legal Team Investigates Asbestos Exposure

His family has instructed the asbestos team at Leigh Day to investigate the circumstances that may have led to his exposure. Mr. Dickens stated that information from former colleagues could be crucial to understanding when and where Mr. Crossley was exposed to asbestos.

He said, “Paul spent much of his working life in heavy industry, working on power stations and oil refineries, and any information about asbestos exposure on any of these sites could prove crucial to Paul’s family.”

Call for Information

The family and their legal representatives are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who worked with Mr. Crossley during the early 1970s at Swan Hunter Ltd or at any site where asbestos exposure may have occurred. Anyone with information about working conditions at Swan Hunter Ltd or other sites where Mr. Crossley may have worked is urged to contact Leigh Day Solicitors.