THE family of a postman who died of a deadly asbestos cancer has called for more research into the deadly disease.

Tony Holt, whose uncle Terence McCarthy died from mesothelioma at Bolton Hospice, attended a meeting addressed by Kate Green MP, shadow minister for disabled people.

The meeting, which took place in Barbirolli Square, Manchester, was organised by the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims’ Support Group.

Margaret Poole, Mr McCarthy’s partner for 15 years, is also calling for the insurance industry to fund more medical research.

Ms Poole, aged 64 from Limbridge Drive in Blackrod, says more funding is desperately needed to find a cure.

Mr McCarthy died in March this year, aged 66, in Bolton Hospice, after an agonising battle with the disease.

Mr Holt, aged 53, from Bury, said: “It’s very upsetting having to watch someone go through what my uncle had to go through.

“Mesothelioma is something people are very passionate about, but until it affects you, you don’t get into the nuances of it.

“It’s vital to raise more awareness of this terrible condition.

“The event was very good and I got to speak to others who experienced similar loss.”

Symptoms of mesothelioma develop, on average, about 32 years after exposure to asbestos fibres, with sufferers living an average of eight months after diagnosis.

The group has called on the insurance industry to fund medical research into mesothelioma and to offer compensation to asbestos victims.

For information: asbestos-victims-support.org