A WIDOW whose husband died from asbestos-related cancer has issued a plea for his former colleagues at a Bolton firm to come forward if they can help explain his death.

Brian Bayley died in March, aged 79, just three months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

He left behind wife Barbara and three grown-up children.

Lawyers are now investigating he former scaffolder and labourer’s death, and want help in finding out when Mr Bayley was exposed to the deadly dust.

After he was first diagnosed with cancer, Mr Bayley, who was from Lostock Hall in Preston, instructed solicitors from Irwin Mitchell to investigate his potential exposure to asbestos.

Mrs Bayley, who suffers from mobility problems and pulmonary hypertension and was cared for by her husband before he died, says she wants “justice”.

One of the firms Mr Bayley worked for in the 1960s was Bolton-based WM Townson and Sons Ltd, which has since been dissolved.

Any damages claim would be against their liability insurer at the time.

Mrs Bayley, aged 76, said: “We were all devastated when Brian was diagnosed with the cancer.

“It came as a complete shock to learn his cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos most likely during his working life.

“Now we just want answers as to why this could have happened.

“We want to know how and where he was exposed to deadly asbestos dust and why more wasn’t done to protect him whilst at work.”

Before his death, Mr Bayley recalled working at United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in Salwick as a scaffolder, also in the 1960s, removing and applying asbestos lagging to and from pipework.

A possibility being investigated by Irwin Mitchell lawyers is that it was WM Townson who commissioned him with this work.

Charlotte Hobday, an expert asbestos lawyer, said: “We’re keen to speak to anybody who worked with Brian during his career as a scaffolder and labourer between 1960 and 1985, or anyone who may have information on any of the companies he worked for or UKAEA Salwick.

n Anyone with information should contact Charlotte Hobday at Irwin Mitchell on 0161 8382071 or email Charlotte.hobday@irwinmitchell.com.