Dust caused ill-heath of retired miner, inquest told

Frederick Lade, 87, of Mountjoy, Battle, suffered from poor health in the last few months of his life before he died on November 9 last year.

In a statement, his GP, Dr John Mogan, said Mr Lade had been diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust, in 1980.

He said: "Mr Lade's health began to deteriorate three years before he died.

"He contracted the disease after working in the mines in Mountfield and Brightling during his working life.

"Over the years he had a variety of medications, mainly inhalers, to maintain his lung function.

"In 2008, he had tuberculosis and was treated with antibiotics. But his health declined in 2009.

"He started receiving palliative care and died at home at his family's wish."

His wife Janice, to whom he was married for 33 years, said her late husband was a fireman during the Second World War and was sent to work in the mines in Mountfield in 1942.

She said: "He was there until 1964 before working in the mine in Brightling until he retired in 1986.

"While he was at work he was exposed to a lot of dust and during the early days was not provided with breathing protection. None of the miners were in those days."

Deputy coroner Joanna Pratt recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

Mr Lade lived in Battle for more than 80 years and loved the town and its traditions. He was a big fan of coarse fishing and fished at New Pond in Battle for much of his life.

He was also a member of Hastings and District Fishing Club and the Complete Angler Club at Eastbourne for many years.

In the 1950s and '60s he was a great Battle Rangers supporter and he had a passion for fireworks, missing just six Battle Bonfire

celebrations throughout his life.

As well as his wife, Mr Lade left behind children Clarence, Sandy, Derek and Sarah and several grandchildren.