The family of a former electrician have appealed for information following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

Reginald 'Reg' Woodley, from Welwyn Garden City, died from mesothelioma - a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos.

Given that this exposure often occurs decades prior to diagnosis, Reg’s family - led by his wife Joyce, 78 and daughter Yvonne, 56 - are appealing to his former workmates for information.

Following Reg's diagnosis, he instructed specialist lawyers to investigate his illness and whether it was linked to his work history.

READ MORE

However, the 77-year-old sadly passed away before his case was concluded.

The lawyers - from law firm Irwin Mitchell - are now working with the family to discover details of his working conditions.

The family have asked that anyone who worked with Reg while he was a maintenance electrician at Rank Xerox to come forward.

Reg worked at the company in Bessemer Road, Welwyn Garden City, from 1969 until 1984.

He specifically recalled removing lagging which may have contained asbestos in the boiler room when he was stripping the motor out.

Reg also remembered removing false ceilings - which he suspected contained asbestos.

At the time, Reg and his family lived in the village of Codicote, between Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage.

Irwin Mitchell lawyer Stephen Fitzwalter said: "Joyce and the rest of Reg’s family remain devastated following the loss of a much-loved husband, dad and grandad, who was taken away too soon by mesothelioma.

"His death is another devastating reminder of the dangers of asbestos and the terrible legacy it’s created.

“While nothing can bring Reg back, we’re determined to continue supporting his family as they seek to honour his memory by getting to the truth surrounding his exposure to asbestos.

                                                                                            

Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox every week by signing up to our newsletter.

                                                                                            

“The family would be grateful to hear from anyone who worked with Reg and who has any details about the conditions he would have worked in.

"Any information could prove vital to our investigation and bring some closure to a family who can’t rest until they have the answers concerning Reg’s illness.”

Reg's daughter Yvonne added: "Losing dad was such a shock and we’re all still coming to terms with it.

"Mum has not been well with MS and dad was such a big help and comfort to her that his death has been particularly hard to take.

"Dad was in good health before he started experiencing pain. We hoped with treatment, he could fight the cancer but it wasn’t to be and in less than four months, he was gone.

“Dad was an amazing person and it’s easy to forget the impact his death has had on my own children and our wider family and friends.

"He loved spending time with the family and it’s those times we miss the most.

“Dad never had the chance to finish finding the answers. It now seems the right time to continue that search in his memory.

"Dad said at one point he was working with 20 other maintenance staff, so we’re hoping someone out there remembers him and could come forward.

“We’d love to hear from his former workmates and hopefully the full story will give mum and all the family some closure after what has been a terrible experience for all of us.”

Anyone who can help the family is asked to contact Stephen Fitzwalter on Stephen.fitzwalter@irwinmitchell.com, or telephone 07795 915 567.