An 81 year old widow is appealing for information after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer.

Opal Gibson from West Wickham in Kent was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2014 after being urged by her children to visit a doctor about her increasing breathlessness.

Mrs Gibson’s late husband, Michael Gibson, worked for Frys Metals Ltd (also known as Frys Metal Foundries Ltd and Alpha Fry Ltd) based in Mitcham, Surrey, prior to his death in 1989 from the same asbestos-related condition, mesothelioma.

Mrs Gibson said: “My late husband worked as a development engineer and supervisor at Frys Metals. His office was in a factory where asbestos sheets were cut and his work clothes were often dusty when he came home."

Jackie Wood from Thompsons Solicitors, who is representing Mrs Gibson said: “We understand that before his death in 1989, Opal’s husband Michael, came into regular contact with asbestos dust while working at Frys Metals. The asbestos dust was taken home on his contaminated work clothes.

“We believe that Opal Gibson has contracted mesothelioma as a result of exposure to the asbestos dust on her late husband’s work clothes.

“Michael successfully pursued a claim for his own mesothelioma condition against Frys Metals before he died in 1989. We are seeking any information in relation to the working conditions at Frys Metals prior to his death in 1989.”

Mrs Gibson said: “It has been a huge blow to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, the same condition from which Michael died. If anyone has any information to help our family, please come forward and speak to Thompsons”.

Anyone who thinks they have information to help Opal should contact Jackie Wood at Thompsons on 0207 290 0031 / jackiewood@thompsons.law.co.uk