Family paid more than £1m after father died of asbestos cancer from school job
The family of a man who died from asbestos-related cancer have been paid more than £1m in compensation after his death.
Rick Oakes, 67, was "fit and healthy" until his mesothelioma diagnosis, which came after working as a joiner in schools across Kirklees, where he was exposed to asbestos decades earlier.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the body's organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos and can take decades to develop after contact.
An inquest ruled he died of an industrial disease, with Kirklees Council admitting it failed to protect him from exposure.
His widow Rachel, 51, said: "Before his diagnosis, Rick was fit and healthy and loved playing golf and going on holiday with our family.
"It was incredibly upsetting for him when he was suddenly no longer able to do the things he enjoyed.
"Watching Rick suffer, knowing there was nothing we could do, was awful.
"We miss him every day, and while nothing will ever change what happened, we felt we had to continue the journey he started and get him the answers he deserved."
The father-of-four began suffering breathlessness in November 2021 before being diagnosed with the terminal cancer in February 2022.
He initially underwent chemotherapy on the NHS before accessing private immunotherapy in 2023, but his condition continued to deteriorate.
Rick died on July 4, 2024, with his family later continuing his legal fight against Kirklees Council.
Lawyers acting on their behalf argued the authority failed to protect him while he worked as a joiner in school buildings.
The council accepted a breach of duty and compensation was paid following High Court proceedings.
Rachel said Rick had been determined to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos before his death.
She added: "Rick felt strongly that people should be aware of what asbestos can do.
"He knew many believe it to be a historical issue, but asbestos is still present in a large number of buildings today, posing a risk if disturbed.
"All we can hope for now is that by sharing Rick's story, we can help raise public awareness and prevent future generations from losing loved ones to asbestos cancer."
Following his diagnosis, Rick and his family were supported by charities including Mesothelioma UK and the Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Support Group.
Last year, Rachel organised a charity garden party in York attended by 200 people, raising more than £20,000 for organisations supporting those with terminal and asbestos-related illnesses.
A spokesperson for the family's legal team at Irwin Mitchell said the case was a reminder of the "terrible legacy" asbestos continues to have in public buildings.
Nicola Handley added: "The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Rick's loved ones, who've understandably struggled firstly with his diagnosis of mesothelioma and then sadly having to come to terms with his death.
"While nothing can ever make up for what's happened, we're pleased to have secured the answers the family deserve.
"We hope the settlement brings some form of closure to Rachel and the rest of Rick's loved ones after what has been an incredibly distressing period."