The family of a Peterlee man who died suddenly from an asbestos related cancer is appealing for information about his former employment.

Raymond Hill, known as Ray, was 49 when he died from mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. He left behind his partner of 30 years Gillian Naisbett and her four sons.

He was diagnosed with the disease just weeks before his death.

Ray’s family believe he was exposed to asbestos while working as a labourer. They have instructed asbestos compensation claims experts Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim.

Ray was born in the Sunderland area before moving to Peterlee as a child.

Exposed to asbestos while working as a labourer

He became a general labourer after leaving school and worked for a number of companies in the area helping to renovate council houses.

His stepson David Naisbett said the family would like to speak to anyone who worked with Ray between 1983 and 1987 so they can find out more about where he was exposed to asbestos.

David said: “Ray’s ill health came on so suddenly that it was a real shock when he died from cancer. He had previously seemed so fit and healthy.

“When we started looking into where he was exposed to asbestos we knew he had worked in a number of building sites where asbestos was present but we are no longer in touch with his former workmates. If anyone remembers Ray we’d like them to get in touch so we can find out more.”

Contact Thompsons Solicitors with any information

Thompsons Solicitors would like to speak to anyone who worked alongside Ray at the following workplaces:

Cockerilla Goodine Ltd from 1983 to 1985

Gus Robinson Building Services, West View Road, Hartlepool from 1983 to 1984

Turriff Ltd, whose head office was at Brindley Place, Birmingham, from 1984 to 1984

W A Browne Building Services, Gillander House, Leeholme Road, Billingham from 1986 to 1987

Tim Hayward from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Asbestos was a common building material in use at the time Mr Hill was working as a labourer. We aim to build up a detailed picture of the work he did during 1983 and 1987 and we urge anyone who worked alongside him to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should contact Tim Hayward on 08000 224 224.