A Birkenhead man who has been diagnosed with asbestos disease is calling for his former work colleagues to come forward.

James Arthur Edwards, known by his friends as Edsie or Jimmy Edwards, 58, from Bidston was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs in February 2011.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no known cure for the disease.

Mr Edwards, who is married with 11 children, instructed asbestos personal injury claims experts Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation on his behalf.

He worked for two employers where he believes he was exposed to asbestos.

Did you work for George Wimpey on the Ford Housing Estate, Wirral or for Stag Cleaning Service Ltd, based in Shell Stanlow, Ellesmere Port?

He worked for George Wimpey when he was just 16 years old from 1971 until 1972. He was a labourer for the firm working on the construction of the Ford Housing Estate on the Wirral.

In later years he worked as an industrial cleaner for Stag Cleaning Service Ltd, based in Shell Stanlow, Ellesmere Port from 1991 to 1995.

He wants to hear from anyone who worked for the companies during those years.

He said: “I was never told about the dangers of working with asbestos and when I was diagnosed with mesothelioma it was a huge shock.”

Mr Edwards’ solicitor Joanne Candlish head of Thompsons’ Liverpool Asbestos Team, said:

“Asbestos-related diseases causes thousands of deaths each year and will be the biggest industrial killer of all time. It is important that we trace James Arthur Edwards’ former workmates to find out more about his working conditions at these two employers.”

Anyone with any information should contact Joanne Candlish, on 08000 224 224 or email her on enquiries@thompsons.law.co.uk.