The family of a plumber who died of an asbestos-related disease is searching for more information from his former workmates about his exposure to the dust.

Ted Leigh was 69 when he died from asbestosis, a condition caused only by exposure to asbestos.

During his lifetime Ted was concerned about his exposure to the dust and recorded how he worked with asbestos as an apprentice and time served plumber for Barnsley Corporation, now Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

He remembered working with boilers where asbestos was present at Barnsley Town Hall, Kendray School, Holyrood School and Kier Street School, all in Barnsley, from 1953 to 1967.

He also recalled being exposed to asbestos whilst working for H C Stringer & Sons Limited in Huddersfield from 1968 to 1978.

Asbestosis was diagnosed by post mortem

Following his death in July 2009 a post mortem confirmed asbestosis as the cause of death and his wife, Diane, instructed asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim.

Diane would like anyone who worked with her husband at Barnsley Corporation between 1953 to 1967 or at H C Stringer & Sons limited from 1968 to 1978 to contact Thompsons Solicitors with information about the working conditions.

Thompsons would like more detailed information on the exact nature of Ted’s work and believe his former colleagues will be able to help.

Diane said: “My husband knew he worked with asbestos and was worried about the effect it had on his health in later years. He went to great trouble to write down where and when he worked with asbestos. When the post mortem confirmed the presence of asbestos in his lungs I decided to instruct expert solicitors for advice.”

Helen Tomlin from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Mr Leigh was troubled by his exposure to asbestos and chronicled where he worked with it. However, asbestosis was only identified on post mortem and as a result he never sought legal advice during his lifetime. I would like to talk to any of his former colleagues to find out more about his time at Barnsley Corporation and H C Stringer during the 1960s and 1970s.

Anyone with any more information should contact Helen Tomlin on 08000 224 224 or by email on enquiries@thompsons.law.co.uk.