The family of the late Terry Cumbes, who worked as a joiner, carpenter and foreman for Sellick Nicholls, Luggvale Construction, Painter Brothers and H.P. Bulmer Ltd, is appealing for information from anyone who worked with him and may be able to provide evidence about asbestos exposure during his employment.
Specialist asbestos solicitors at Hugh James have been instructed by Mr Cumbes’ family to pursue a civil compensation claim following his death from theasbestos-related disease, asbestosis, in January 2026.
Mr Cumbes lived in Hinton, Hereford, for most of his life and was well known in the local community.
The family of Mr Cumbes is appealing to any former colleagues to provide detailed evidence about his working life, or the conditions in which he worked, including any information about the presence or use of asbestos in the following companies:
1. Sellick Nicholls between 1961 and 1963. It is understood that Mr Cumbes worked for thecompany in Herefordshire and undertook a carpentry apprenticeship during this period.
2. Luggvale Construction between 1963 and 1964.
3. Painter Brothers between 1970 and 1973 and again between 1977 and 1980. Mr Cumbes becamea foreman and he was based at Painter Brothers’ Hereford Steel Works on Holmer Road, Hereford.
4. H.P. Bulmer Ltd between 1979 and 1981. Mr Cumbes worked at H.P. Bulmer Ltd in Hereford.
Maddie Allen, asbestos claims solicitor at Hugh James, said:
“It would be extremely helpful to speak with anyone who worked with Mr Cumbes or has information about the working conditions or the presence of asbestos at any of his former workplaces. Even if they did not work directly with Mr Cumbes, their evidence could be very important. Mr Cumbes’ family would be very grateful to anyone who is able to assist.”
How to Help
If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact Jemima Ware in the specialist Hugh James asbestos team by calling 02922 675 827 or emailing Jemima.Ware@hughjames.com.
