Lifelong tradesman who died in Blackpool Victoria Hospital was killed by work-related illness after retiring

An 81-year-old man who spent most of his working life in old buildings and clearing demolition sites died of respiratory problems resulting from his long-term exposure to asbestos, an inquest heard.

Neil Pankhurst, of Hawthorne Avenue, Thornton, had been a carpenter by trade and for some years ran his own company.

He was described by family as having been fully fit up until around three years before his death, when he had breathing problems and several chest infections.

Respiratory problems earlier this year resulted in Mr Pankhurst being admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on April 29 for investigation, but his condition rapidly deteriorated and he died there on May 17.

A post mortem examination carried out by consultant pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd found the cause of death to be bronchopneumonia, resulting from chronic lung disease caused by reported asbestosis.

Dr Shepherd told the inquest at Blackpool Town Hall he could find no evidence of tumours but inflammation and scarring on the lungs was consistent with chronic disease caused by exposure to asbestos.

He could see no asbestos fibres which would have been conclusive evidence of asbestosis, so he could not confirm t was the cause but could equally not rule it out, so entered “reported asbestosis” in his cause of death report.

Blackpool and Fylde senior coroner Alan Wilson returned a conclusion of industrial disease.