Halesowen family in search for answers over asbestos death
The widow of a former Black Country engineer who died from asbestos-related cancer has paid tribute to her loving husband as she battles to find out more about his working conditions.
Surinder Singh Ruprai, from Halesowen, died, aged 67, in 2016, after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung, most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos materials.
His widow, Kamaljit, and his family are searching for answers in his memory – calling on his old workmates from Heaton Ward Ltd at the company's Western Road site, in Birmingham, from 1970 to 1986, to come forward about the working conditions.
Prior to his death, the father-of-three and grandfather-of-four instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he deveoped the cancer and whether it may have been linked to his work history.
Now his family are continuing with the investigations. They are also keen for further details regarding the presence of asbestos after the company was taken over by Birmingham Stopper and Cycle Component Company Ltd. Surinder had worked for the latter from 1986 until he was made redundant in 2009.
Kamaljit, 62, said: "More than two years on from his death, the entire family remain devastated that he is no longer with us.
"He was a much-loved father and grandfather and everyone misses him so much.
“Surinder was desperate for justice regarding his illness before he died and we feel obliged to continue the fight on his behalf. We would be hugely grateful to anyone who can help us with this, as key information could prove vital to getting answers regarding the illness which took his life.”
Satinder Bains, who represents Surinder's family at Irwin Mitchell, added: "His family remain devastated by their loss but are keen to gain answers regarding just how he came to be exposed to asbestos. With this in mind, we would be grateful to anyone who can provide information regarding these employers and the working conditions Surinder would have faced.
“Any detail, no matter how small, could ultimately prove vital to our efforts to secure justice for this family.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 0121 2145281.
