Appeal for information following Hornsey pensioner's asbestos-related cancer death

Guido Marenghi died aged 84 in March 2022 after spending his working life as an artisan and respected craftsman across the country

The son of a former tiler from Hornsey who died from asbestos-related cancer is appealing to his dad’s ex-workmates for information on how he encountered the asbestos that caused his death.

Guido Marenghi died in March 2022 from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his death aged 84, Guido’s son, Carlo Marenghi, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his dad’s illness and if it could be linked to his work history.

Carlo has now joined with his legal team in appealing to any of his dad’s former workmates to come forward with information they may have on the master tiler’s working conditions.

They are looking to trace anyone who worked with Guido for St James Ltd in the 1970s. Guido worked across the country for St James Ltd, including Sheffield as well as both in and around London. They are also looking to trace individuals who worked with Guido at Malacarp in London during the 1980s and Friuli in London during the late 1980s to early 1990s.

Helena Wareham, the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Carlo and his family, said: “There are still far too many families whose lives have been devastated by the legacy of asbestos. Carlo and his family are another example of the grief and hurt that asbestos leaves in its wake.

“The family are still picking up the pieces following a much-loved dad’s death and after the initial shock, they continue to have questions concerning how Guido came into contact with asbestos.

“Guido was a well-known artisan and respected craftsman in his field and the family are hoping that his former colleagues will come forward with information on his working life that will assist our investigations. Any details would be a huge help in bringing closure to Carlo and the family.”

As a specialist in a form of mosaic flooring, a well-known example being the Hollywood walk of fame, Guido worked for three firms who offered terrazzo, marble and granite flooring to clients.

In 1963, he went to work for St James Tile Co Limited, who were based in Manchester. For the next two years he worked for the firm on a variety of projects and left in 1965.

In 1966, he went to work for Malacarp Terrazzo Limited and worked for the firm for around a year before leaving. Following this, Guido went to work for Friuli from 1968 to 1972. At all three firms he worked closely alongside other tradesmen. Guido undertook projects in the London area and surrounding regions, including Hertfordshire, Watford and Essex.

All of the firms are no longer trading.

This employment included working alongside other tradesmen, like insulators, plasterers and electricians in a range of commercial buildings, including well-known supermarket chains and national retailers. Guido’s skills were also called on for restoration projects, including cathedrals.

Guido married wife Teresa and the couple had two children together, Carlo, 61 and his sister Luciana, 52.

In his spare time, Guido used to enjoy spending time with his family, both in Italy and in England. If he wasn’t working, he enjoyed helping out friends and family, such as with any tiling that was needed or doing his own hobbies, such as shooting and going to his allotment in Wood Green.

Guido started to notice symptoms, including breathlessness in the summer months of 2020. Following investigations and tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2020. Guido died, with his family by his side on 10th March 2022.

Carlo said: “Dad’s death came as a real shock to us all and even now, it’s hard to believe he’s no longer with us. He was a real family man and nothing can ever be quite the same without him.

“Dad had always been a fit man as part of his job, so his cancer diagnosis was a big surprise. When doctors said mesothelioma was linked to asbestos he really wanted to look into it more, but as he became increasingly sick, that wasn’t possible.

“Now we’ve had a chance to mourn him, the time is right to do what dad wished and find out more concerning his asbestos exposure. Dad was a skilled artisan, a specialist in a niche trade, so we hope people will remember him. Any details they could give about his working conditions would be a huge help to us and we’d be grateful to hear any memories they may have.

“Dad didn’t deserve to have his final months marred by this terrible disease. If anyone could get in contact with us, we’d really appreciate it.”

Anyone with information that could help Carlo is asked to contact Helena Wareham at Irwin Mitchell:
Call 01223 791 840
Email [email protected]

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