Derrick Hibberd spent his life on the railways. He began his career in the 1950s, starting as an apprentice in Doncaster, working on steam engines. At the time, the boilers and other elements were wrapped in asbestos. Derrick often found himself working underneath, where “asbestos rained down like snow”, according to conversations he had later with his son, Phil.
For Derrick, this exposure would shape the rest of his life. He would later recall friends and colleagues who got ill and passed away, describing the condition simply as ‘asbestosis’.
A life on the railway
Derrick loved the railway. He worked in the industry for over 40 years and enjoyed a long, fulfilling retirement. He walked everywhere, was quite active and definitely didn’t look his age. He and his wife, Margaret (who also worked in the railway) shared a deep connection to that world.
Even in later life, Derrick kept in touch with his roots. His son, Phil, helped him to set up Facebook, where Derrick joined the Doncaster Works group, and loved seeing old photos and sharing memories with former colleagues.
Family and work legacy
Phil remembers a childhood spent around the engineering works in Doncaster and followed in his father’s footsteps, starting his own career in the rail industry in the 1990s. The railway isn’t just in Phil Hibberd’s blood; it’s “embedded into our family’s DNA”.
He remembers his dad going to funerals for friends who had died from asbestos-related diseases. Wanting to make a difference, Phil went on to gain a diploma in Health & Safety and today works with four train operating companies on occupational health and safety, as Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability for the Transport UK Group.
Whilst in a senior role, Phil makes time to speak to young people and those working around respirable dusts, passing on his dad’s warning that “dust is dangerous – whether you can see it or not. You’re not invincible. Always wear your PPE properly.”
Diagnosis and loss
In his early 80s, during the pandemic, Derrick’s health began to change. Although he had always been fit and healthy, he started feeling unwell. While Phil was away camping, he received a call – his father had collapsed. Derrick knew immediately what was happening and was treated for liquid on the lungs.
Over the next week, tests revealed scarring on his lungs. The diagnosis of mesothelioma came late and just six weeks later, Derrick passed away.
Support along the way
Despite the difficult journey, Derrick and his family received vital support. The union stepped in immediately, ensuring that Derrick and his wife had financial stability. “Within 48 hours, £25,000 was in his bank account,” Phil recalls. That money helped with home alterations, including a stairlift and wet room.
The SARAG (Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Support Group) charity in Rotherham also provided crucial help. Phil began volunteering with the group, later being asked to be a Trustee for the charity, reviewing health & safety policies and risk assessments for the charity free of charge.
Phil also connected with Mesothelioma UK, spotting their stand at the Labour Conference. The organisation’s work continues to inspire him to tell his dad’s story widely, keeping awareness alive.
Remembering Derrick
Despite everything, Derrick remained positive and dedicated to his family. He loved his food, and even after hospital appointments, he would insist on stopping at the fish and chip restaurant on the way home.
He had also been his wife’s carer for many years, supporting her through blood cancer and loss of mobility. His strength and care for his family shone through until the end.
“Dad lost so many friends from breathing in dust,” Phil says. “That’s why he always told young workers to look after themselves. Wear a mask, know the dangers and respect your health. You only get one chance.”
A lasting message
Phil now shares his dad’s story whenever he can. “We know of the dangers,” he says, “but too often, people think they’re invincible.”
Derrick’s life stands as a reminder of the long-term consequences of asbestos exposure, the importance of strong union support and the value of passing lessons down to future generations.
