A retired engineer who died on Valentine’s Day had been diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, a court has heard. 

Christopher Brown, 70, of The Street in Burgh, near Aylsham, died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on February 14. 

An inquest into his death was opened on February 20 at Norfolk Coroner’s Court based at County Hall, Norwich. 

Area coroner, Yvonne Blake, said that the medical cause of death had been given as “progressive mesothelioma.” 

According to the NHS, mesothelioma is a type of cancer that mainly affects the lining of the lungs and is usually linked to asbestos exposure.   

Ms Blake also recorded that John Gostling, step-son, had confirmed to a coroner’s officer that Mr Brown had been born on May 3, 1953, in Hammersmith, London.

A full inquest to determine the official cause of death will take place on the afternoon of February 28 at the court. 

  • To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk        
  • To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.