Ernest Gooding launched the fight after developing malignant mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.



The 66-year-old discovered he had the disease in January 2007, and last July he was given just 18 months to live.

He set out to claim £200,000 in compensation from former employers. He has now been told he will get three quarters of his claim in an out-of-court settlement. Mr Gooding said he hopes the money will provide a "nest egg" for his children in the future.

He said: "I was worried about them.

"The family are really pleased. It gives us peace of mind."

Mr Gooding, of Newark Road, Hartlepool, claimed he was exposed to deadly asbestos dust and fibres when he worked for Telent and its predecessor Associated Electrical Industries between 1957 and 1965.

He says he was also exposed to asbestos when working for the firm James Scott between 1962 and 1965 as an installation electrician at the ICI plant Wilton, Teesside.

Between them Telent and James Scott have now paid out almost £150,000, which includes £18,700 interim payment awarded to Mr Gooding by the Government.

Mr Gooding had already been given the Government money and that will be reclaimed from the award. It is unknown how the award, agreed five weeks ago. is being split by the two companies.

Mr Gooding, who appeared in the Mail in April after issuing legal proceedings, said: "The companies acted honourably.

"It's a big success for me. It was worth the wait."

Mr Gooding, who is married to Cherry, 61, and father to Lisa Jones, 37, and Carl Gooding, 42, is now planning a holiday with the family.

Mr Gooding, who is also grandfather to 19-year-old Dean Jones, seven-year-old Leah Gooding and new arrival, three-month-old Matthew Gooding, says the diagnosis brought home the importance of family.

He added: "I spent a lot of time abroad and I wish I never had because I realise now what I missed."

He now has check-ups every four months with his specialist but is unsure of how long he has to live.

He said: "They are still saying it's terminal. It's quite unnerving."
Mr Gooding said that he is still mobile and feels well, despite the odd sleep disturbance caused by the disease.

"We don't even talk about it now. That's good because we used to sit looking at each other worrying and it was strange but I have put it behind me a little bit."

Sarah Grogan, of Simpson Millar, who represented Mr Gooding, said: "It was particularly pleasing that we were able to agree damages during Mr Gooding's lifetime, especially as liability was initially denied by both parties.

"I would like to stress to any other victims of asbestos exposure that they should seek legal advice as quickly as possible to maximise the prospects of a potential claim being successful."

A spokesman for Telent said they did not want to comment on the award. The Mail was unable to contact James Scott.