Pimlico postie dies after asbestos exposure

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A retired Pimlico postman died after exposure to deadly asbestos fibres, an inquest heard today.

Michael Martin, 83, who lived in Shelley House on the Churchill Gardens Estate, in Churchill Gardens Road, is believed to have breathed in the fibres while working on navy ships during the Second World War.

Westminster Coroner's Court heard today that Mr Martin had a history of several medical problems including emphysema, hypertension, renal failure and had previously had a stroke.

After working on the navy ships, he became a postman, working at a Westminster sorting office for several years.

In 2008, he was diagnosed with asbestosis, a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.

On September 23 this year, he was taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, in Fulham Road, Chelsea, suffering from breathlessness and anaemia.

Despite doctors doing all they could to help him, Mr Martin died on September 30 leaving behind his wife Rosamund, and daughters Angela and Caroline.

A post mortem examination, carried out by Dr Peter Wilkins, confirmed Mr Martin had been exposed to asbestos earlier in his life.

Deputy Westminster coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said: "Mr Martin had a previous history of working on navy ships where he would no doubt have been exposed to asbestos.

"He had a long medical history but it seems the most problematic was the lung disease with shortness of breath.

"At 83, he was lucky to have lived such a long life."

* Did you know Mr Martin? If you would like to share any memories of him, please email reporter julieteysenck@trinitysouth.co.uk

Dr Radcliffe recorded a verdict of death by industrial-related disease.

[Martin Walsh]

I knew Mick well when he used to be the thro man on millbank at the old Howick place office in SW1.

Intresting is that Howick Place used to be littered with asbestos and a number of ex howick place postman have died through this and simpson millar have dealt with quite a few cases.

RIP Mick

[mikers117]

I remember Mick Martin on the Millbank section. I also remember the asbestos, which was on the way up the stairs to the Games room, on the right wall, and after a while, it was covered over with what looked like some type of insulation (silver foil)..I would not be surprised if many posties have been affected by the exposed asbestos....perhaps why the building was sold? Don't know for sure?