Originally from Weymouth, Terence ‘Terry’ Ridyard began his career in the printing industry as an apprentice in the 1970s.

He spent the first decade of his working life at Jeffrey Bros Printers Ltd in Maiden Street, Weymouth, progressing to become a Linotype Operator in the early 1980s. His work involved operating and maintaining Linotype machines used in the printing process.

In 1983, Terry was awarded his Certificate in Printing from Southampton College of Higher Education. He went on to have a long career in printing and publishing, living in Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland before retiring in the 2010s.

Outside work, he was a keen and accomplished sailor. He learned to sail with his family at Castle Cove Sailing Club in Sandsfoot from a young age and later became a member of Weymouth Sailing Club.

Sailing remained a lifelong passion, and he was well known within the local sailing community for his skill and expertise on the water

However, his world was turned upside down in 2024, when he started experiencing shortness of breath and coughing.

After being referred to Dorset County Hospital for further investigations, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma - a rare and aggressive cancer thar affects the lining of the lung.

Sadly, Terry died on 16 June 2026, aged just 63. His family are now being supported by Thompsons Solicitors as they look for answers about his asbestos exposure and to secure justice on his behalf.

They are appealing for anyone who worked alongside him to come forward with information that could assist.

Nicholas Seymour, from the Bristol Asbestos team at Thompsons Solicitors, representing Terry’s family, said: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that can take decades to develop, meaning many families are only faced with a diagnosis long after the original asbestos exposure took place.

“We are determined to help Terry’s family secure the justice that he deserves.

“We know Mr Ridyard regularly came into contact with asbestos during his day-to-day duties early in his career. We are now keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside him, particularly during the late 70s and early 80s, who can provide further insight into the conditions he experienced and the work he carried out.”

Nicholas added: “The latest Health and Safety Executive figures show that asbestos-related diseases continue to claim thousands of lives every year. Behind every one of those figures is a family still living with the consequences of workplace asbestos exposure many decades later.”

Anyone who worked alongside Terence Ridyard at Jeffrey Bros Printers Ltd is asked to contact Nicholas Seymour at Thompsons Solicitors on 07974 354 276, or via email at NicholasSeymour@thompsons.law