A GRANDFATHER died from cancer after coming into contact with asbestos throughout his working life, an inquest has heard.

Retired pipefitter and welder John Charles Burdikin, 77, of Queens Road in Buckhurst lost his life to mesothelioma, caused by repeated exposure to asbestos fibres in many premises he worked in during his career, including hospitals and prisons in and around London.

He died in the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, only a few months after being diagnosed with the disease.

His son Simon, of Loughton Way in Buckhurst Hill, gave evidence at the inquest, at Walthamstow Coroners Court today (May 20), confirming the identity of his late father and that he worked in environments that could well have contained asbestos.

He said: “There is some sort of closure now. We felt we knew about the asbestos anyway, but this has sort of confirmed it for us.

“He wasn't ill for long, he went downhill very fast from the time he went into hospital to when he died.

“My Dad ran his own businesses so was quite outgoing. He was heavily involved with the Masons some years ago, but that sort of tailed off in recent years.

“He was also really into his crown green bowls. He played at Buckhurst Hill Bowls Club, and after the funeral we had a gathering there, because some many people from the club knew him.”

Mr Burdikin is survived by his three sons, Simon, 45, Martin, 53, and Steve 55, six grandchildren, his first wife Diane and his second wife Pam.

The coroner Dr William Dolman recorded a verdict that Mr Burdikin had died from the industrial disease of malignant mesothelioma.

Various types of asbestos were widely used in pipe and building insulation up until the 1970s, when concerns grew over the health risks associated with breathing in its fibres.

Staff at Buckhurst Hill Bowling and Law Tennis Club, in Epping New Road, said club members would remember Mr Burdikin fondly as a sociable and popular member.

Club president Malcolm Lord said: “He wasn't a member of the club for very long, only five or six years, but he was men's captain a couple of years ago.

“He certainly made himself very useful in the running of the club, he did a lot for us, and he will be missed.”