Kevin Bultitude, 67, of West Runton, near Cromer, died at his home on February 24 from mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure. 

Norfolk Coroner's Court was told that Mr Bultitude, who was born on March 25, 1958 in London, had no known exposure to asbestos later in life. 

His husband, John Neller, said Mr Bultitude was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2024.  

His condition deteriorated rapidly, leaving him struggling with his breathing and mobility before he became wheelchair bound. 

Area coroner Yvonne Blake (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Neller explained that during the 1970s, Mr Bultitude undertook a work experience programme in painting and decorating, where he mixed plaster, carried out general building work and drilled through walls. 

It was during this work - particularly drilling into internal walls and making plaster - that he is believed to have been exposed to asbestos. 

“Since then, Kevin has not worked in the building or decorating trade,” Mr Neller said.

“It is not believed he was exposed to asbestos elsewhere.” 

A statement from Mr Bultitude, taken before he died, added: “At the time I did not know whether any of the materials I disturbed contained asbestos.  

“Looking back, I understand older plaster – such as partition walls – from that era commonly contained asbestos.” 

He described his diagnosis as “a huge shock”. 

Before becoming ill, Mr Bultitude had been a keen gardener and enjoyed spending time on his boat on the Norfolk Broads.

He was one of four children and his father had served in the Royal Navy. 

Area coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that, on the balance of probabilities, Mr Bultitude was exposed to asbestos during his early building work. 

She recorded a conclusion of death from industrial disease. 

© Eastern Daily Press