THE widow of a Keighley joiner who died of asbestos-related cancer has joined legal experts to appeal to his former workmates from the 1960s and 1970s to help her gain justice.

Father-of-one John Bryden died aged 73 last November of mesothelioma – the cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with exposure to asbestos materials.

Mr Bryden died just over a year after he first developed symptoms, including chest pains and breathlessness.

Latest figures released by the Health and Safety Executive show that since 1981, over 2,000 people in West Yorkshire have lost their lives to mesothelioma.

Shortly before he died, Mr Bryden instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came to develop the illness and whether more should have been done to protect him from contact with asbestos.

Now, with his wife Susan continuing the legal battle in his memory, the lawyers are appealing for anyone who worked at three of his former employers to come forward and help them gather information.

They would like details on conditions Mr Bryden would have faced while working for Magnet Joinery in two spells from 1961 to 1967 and 1971 to 1975, as well as for Whitaker & Co (Denholme) Ltd between 1967 and 1969 and for Sir Lindsey Parkinson & Co Ltd while working on the construction of Booth Wood Reservoir between 1968 and 1970.

Mr Bryden’s work for Magnet Joinery involved carrying out joinery at a range of sites, and he recalled using asbestos rope during the work.

During his time at Whitaker & Co (Denholme) Ltd he worked at a joinery factory where the cutting of asbestos sheeting and other materials took place.

When he worked on the construction of Booth Wood Reservoir he helped construct concrete shuttering out of asbestos.

Oliver Collett, specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Through our work we’ve seen numerous examples of how exposure to asbestos can have devastating consequences on workers.

“Sadly we were only able to very briefly speak to John prior to his death, so we’re keen to develop a clearer understanding of the working conditions he faced while at these companies.”

Mrs Bryden, 70, said: “It was very difficult to see how mesothelioma affected John in the final months of his life. All our friends and family still miss him so much every day.

“While we know nothing will ever bring him back, we’re determined to continue with this legal battle to honour his memory and get the answers he always deserved regarding his illness.

“If anyone can provide information regarding the presence of asbestos at any of these employers it would be hugely appreciated.” People can contact Mr Collett at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 394 6784 or e-mail Oliver.Collett@IrwinMitchell.com