Trevor Pickersgill, 79, of Greenborough Road, Norwich, died at home on October 5 just five days after being discharged from hospital.
Mr Pickersgill had worked in construction since the age of 18, including stripping asbestos from walls, exposing him to the hazardous material that would eventually contribute to his death.
Norfolk Coroner’s Court (Image: Newsquest)
An inquest heard how the grandfather had been fit and active just a year earlier, enjoying gardening before developing increasingly severe breathing difficulties.
His wife, Angeline Pickersgill, described how her husband’s health deteriorated as he struggled with breathlessness and pain in his side.
Some days were worse than others, but his condition gradually worsened until he required hospital treatment and arrangements for carers to support him at home.
Despite his declining health, Mrs Pickersgill praised the care provided by hospital staff and his GP, saying both had been very good.
Maeve Sykes was sitting at Norfolk Coroner’s Court (Image: Newsquest)
Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard evidence from Dr Richard Hampshire, of Thorpewood, detailing Mr Pickersgill’s medical history.
He first presented with shortness of breath on exertion in May 2025, prompting investigations into his respiratory symptoms.
A CT scan followed in July 2025, and an ultrasound examination in September identified a right-sided pleural effusion, a build-up of fluid around the lung that can make breathing increasingly difficult.
He was subsequently admitted to hospital for a biopsy as doctors investigated the cause of his symptoms.
In February, Mr Pickersgill was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer strongly associated with previous exposure to asbestos.
Norfolk Coroner’s Court (Image: Newsquest)
The court heard that Mr Pickersgill’s lengthy career as a builder and plasterer had involved direct contact with asbestos-containing materials, including stripping asbestos from walls.
His condition deteriorated further when he was admitted to hospital on September 7 suffering from a chest infection.
He was discharged home on October 1, with carers arranged to help support him, but died four days later.
Recording a conclusion of death from industrial disease, coroner Maeve Sykes confirmed that Mr Pickersgill had died from malignant mesothelioma.