A widow whose husband died after being exposed to deadly asbestos is calling on his former workmates for help.

Thomas Brennan developed mesothelioma - a cancer related to exposure to asbestos - after working at a Manchester factory.

He died at the age of 72 after a battle with the disease.

His widow, Bridget, is now appealing to his former colleagues to help her in her fight against the employer who allegedly exposed him to asbestos dust.

Thomas worked as a pattern maker at Henry Wallwork, in the Red Bank, Manchester, between 1967 and 1980.

At the time it is claimed asbestos was widely used in foundries on pipe laggings, boiler coverings, as insulation in fan housings, in gloves, aprons and curtains.

It was also used as insulation in cupolas and in ladles and insulation in sand moulds.

Asbestos was commonly incorporated into many pieces of equipment, including tanks, pumps, valves, ovens, boilers and furnaces.

Industrial diseases such as mesothelioma can often develop decades after initial exposure to the lethal substance.

Bridget is now appealing for anyone who worked with Thomas at Henry Wallwork’s to get in touch.

Solicitor Sarah Wolf is representing the family in their battle.

Thomas Brennan worked as a pattern maker at Henry Wallwork, in the Red Bank, Manchester, between 1967 and 1980

The asbestos disease specialist, of law firm Leigh Day, said, “Mesothelioma is an aggressive, fatal asbestos related cancer.

“In order for us to progress this case it would be helpful to speak to anyone who worked at Wallwork’s in the mid to late 1960’s up to the early 1980’s. “They do not need to have known Thomas. We just need to build a picture of working practices and the uses of asbestos.”

Bridget and son Paul emigrated to America in 1980 and Thomas died in California.

Paul said: “Dad came over to Manchester with Mum from Ireland in the 1960s and he often spoke fondly of his time there living in Chorlton and Didsbury .

“It is such a pity that he developed this incurable disease which he contracted through no fault of his own. We would all be so grateful for any information from Dad’s former colleagues.”

Anyone with information that could help the case is asked to call Sarah Wold on 0207 650 1082 or email: swolf@leighday.co.uk

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