THE SWINDON disease has claimed another victim. Peter Ovens of Nythe Road in Coleview died on March 12 aged 70 after spending 34 years working as a coachbuilder for British Rail Engineering in Swindon.
He is survived by his wife Jean.
Mr Ovens started work for the firm aged 14 and at 16 became an apprentice coachbuilder, working in the 19 shop section until he was made redundant in 1963.
He returned in a similar role as a vehicle builder in 1975, where he came into contact with asbestos but was given protective clothing and use of a decontamination room.
In December 2002 Mr Ovens was diagnosed with the cancer mesothelioma, known as the Swindon disease because it has struck down many former railway workers in the town who were exposed to asbestos.
Swindon and Wiltshire deputy coroner William Bache recorded a verdict that Mr Ovens died of the industrial disease mesothelioma.
Mr Bache said: "As is plain from the history I have received concerning his work Mr Ovens was conscientious, hardworking and no doubt skilled.
"The sad fact is during his work he was exposed to a substance that was going to kill him."
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