A life cut short by industrial disease
Paul Sloots, 71, worked for decades in demolition, often tasked with stripping asbestos lagging from pipework. He recalled being “covered from head to toe” in dust that was impossible not to avoid inhaling.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2024 after being admitted to Morriston Hospital with breathlessness and a cough. His health declined rapidly, and he died in April this year.
‘Our King’: granddaughter’s moving tribute
Paul’s granddaughter Tegan, who called him “Dad” because of their close bond, said his final months were “horrible and cruel”.
“He was such an amazing, happy, family‑orientated man… Our King, as we called him,” she said. “When my nan died, somehow Dad found the strength to carry on for the rest of the family and be there for us all, as he always was.”
She added:
“He was always there for me, whether it was to take me fishing, to sit and have a cup of tea, or just to listen. He was my rock. Losing him has left a void in my life that nothing can fill.”
Family’s gratitude for support
Tegan also spoke of the support Paul received from his legal team as he sought justice for his asbestos exposure:
“Dad was so grateful to Sarah [James, senior associate at Slater and Gordon] for getting justice for him, and so am I. She was so professional and kind and would check in on him. I’ll always appreciate how much she cared.”
She said the settlement gave Paul peace of mind:
“It meant so much to him to know that his suffering had been recognised and that his family would be looked after.”
‘Too many families devastated’
Sarah James, of Slater and Gordon’s Cardiff office, said:
“Paul’s family have been left devastated by his cruel death, and especially Tegan, who had such a wonderful relationship with her beloved grandfather. Too many families are being devastated by the impact of asbestos exposure, and we will fight for justice on their behalf.”
She added:
“Paul’s story is sadly not unique. We continue to see men and women who worked hard all their lives in industries where asbestos was rife, only to be diagnosed decades later with this terrible disease.”
At a glance: Mesothelioma
- 🫁 Aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure
- ⏳ Often diagnosed decades after exposure
- ⚠️ Symptoms: breathlessness, cough, chest pain, weight loss
- 🚫 No cure — treatment focuses on managing symptoms
- 🏭 Still affects former construction, shipbuilding and demolition workers
