Father of three David Squires determined to live life to the fullest despite mesothelioma

David Squires, 69, a carpenter from Huntington, Cambridgeshire, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2019. When he was first diagnosed, David was given 12 months to live but he continues to outlive that prognosis.

As a father of three, David is determined to do everything he can to challenge the disease, which affects 2,500 people in the UK every year, according to the charity Mesothelioma UK. Despite his diagnosis, David remains a keen golfer and is vice-Captain of his golf club in Cambridgeshire.

In May 2021, we secured him a six-figure settlement from his former employers in Cambridgeshire, including an indemnity order for private medical treatment.

This proved crucial when, in March 2024, following a CT scan, David was informed that his condition had progressed.

Faced with this urgent need for treatment, David contacted our team, who had previously handled his mesothelioma claim. We swiftly responded to ensure that he had the necessary financial support for his critical immunotherapy after three years’ active treatment and periods of stability after undertaking various clinical trials within the NHS.

Within a matter of days, the indemnity order agreement was activated to secure the additional payment required for the immunotherapy treatment, and David began his treatment via Sciensus at home in Cambridgeshire as he wished.

Without any delay or financial barrier, David was able to focus on his health and treatment.

10 months on, David’s mesothelioma is once again stable under the drug regime recommended by his treating oncologist Professor Dean Fennell, Glenfield, Thoracic Oncologist.

Speaking of his journey so far and the importance of living life to the full, David said:

“Working with Hugh James has been a lifeline for me and my family. Their swift action in March 2024 made all the difference, allowing me to start my immunotherapy treatment without delay. I am incredibly grateful for their support during this challenging time. Despite my diagnosis, I am determined to live life to the fullest, enjoying precious moments with my family and continuing my passion for golf as the vice-captain of my local club in Cambridgeshire.”

Phoebe Osborne, Legal Director, comments:

“David is an extraordinary gentleman whose family and friends have supported him throughout his diagnosis and treatments over the last five years. David somehow remains cheerful and stoic throughout his treatment and whilst waiting for his scan results. He has a huge energy for life, taking active steps to embrace life and its inevitable challenges.

“On World Cancer Day, we are encouraged to remember that cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis – it’s a deeply personal matter, and behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story. David has always been incredibly open in sharing his lived experiences following his mesothelioma diagnosis and is a regular attendee of his local Mesothelioma support group. His wife Diane is incredibly supportive and has raised over £3,370 for Royal Papworth Hospital Charity Trust by completing a sky-dive with their group of friends! David’s personal story is a huge inspiration to everyone he meets. I feel privileged to know David and his loving family, and to be able to support them years after first meeting.”