Family wins compensation after asbestos-related death

The family of a man who died from an asbestos-related cancer have won compensation from his former employer and donated a portion of it to the hospice which cared for him.

Vincent Downton, 63, Amesbury, Wiltshire, died in October 2023 after working as a painter and decorator for five years more than four decades ago.

As part of their settlement, his wife and son secured £23,000 for Salisbury Hospice, which cared for him before his death.

Carol Downton said giving something back to the charity meant everything to her. She added: "His last few months would have been unbearable without the hospice's help."

Their son Bradley told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "They enabled dad to live during his last few months."

Mr Downton died just a year after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is classified as an industrial disease.

He was exposed to asbestos between 1977 and 1982 when he worked as a painter and decorator.

Following his diagnosis, Mr Downton was able to enjoy one final holiday with his family thanks to the hospice's help with his medication.

Mrs Downton said: "Vincent so wanted us to go on holiday to Majorca – and if it wasn't for the support of Salisbury Hospice in helping to manage his pain that would never have been possible.

"The staff and volunteers were absolutely amazing with him, we will never forget that.

"Vincent said he felt secure in the hospice, and we as a family felt supported the whole time. They did everything for us they possibly could."

Their son Bradley added: "If we can help even one other family, then that's all we want."

Tom Goodinge, director of fundraising and marketing at hospice, said the charity was "incredibly thankful to the Downton family".

"It is a heartfelt gesture that reflects the trust they placed in our care during such a difficult time," he added.

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