Pensioner, Sylvia Gilligan, is trying to trace former workmates of her husband’s to support a claim for compensation after he died of asbestos related cancer.

Sylvia Gilligan, aged 68, of Burslem, believes her husband, Anthony – know as Fred, contracted incurable mesothelioma while he was working.

He was employed as a joiner on the construction of Hanley Telephone Exchange and also worked for two Staffordshire health authorities.

An Inquest at North Staffordshire Coroners Court into Mr Gilligan’s death recorded that he died from an industrial disease at Douglas MacMillan Hospice, Blurton, in May 2003, aged 71, seven months after being diagnosed.

The Inquest heard evidence from two of his former colleagues at Staffordshire Area Health Authority, North Staffordshire Health Authority and Hanley Telephone Exchange about the presence of asbestos.

Personal injury lawyer, Dominic Collingwood, an asbestos disease specialist, at York based law firm, Corries Solicitors Ltd, is working with Mrs Gilligan to gather further evidence against Holland Hannen and Cubitt (Midlands) Ltd, Wolverhampton and Staffordshire Health Authority and North Staffordshire Health Authority to assist her compensation claim.

Mr Gilligan was employed by Holland Hannon and Cubitt (Midlands) Limited whilst working on Hanley telephone exchange between 1972 and 1974.

The company was wound up in 1991. He also worked for Staffordshire Area Health Authority from 1976 to 1982 and for North Staffordshire Health Authority from 1982 until 1990.

Mrs Gilligan, a former hospital manager, says: “Fred was a marvellous man, the absolute salt of the earth who always worked hard and we had 48 years together.

He had a dreadfully, extremely painful death but never complained.” “He used to come home filthy, covered in dust and oil. After he retired he looked into the dangers of asbestos and said it would be a miracle if it did not kill him.”

“I am seeking compensation because I am angry that he was exposed to asbestos to a degree which led to his suffering and death. I have lost my husband and our daughter and two grandchildren have lost a father and grandfather”.

The Coroners’ Court heard from two former colleagues of Mr Gilligan who confirmed the presence of asbestos during the construction of Hanley Telephone Exchange, where asbestolux panels, which contain asbestos, were used, and while working with both Health Authorities. Dominic Collingwood said:

“Fred Gilligan had many workmates at Hanley Telephone Exchange and both Staffordshire Health Authorities who may also have been exposed to deadly asbestos fibres while involved in similar work.”

“We would like to trace more former colleagues to gain further information which could throw a valuable light on the working conditions and exposure to asbestos which could help Sylvia Gilligan and her family rebuild their lives.”

Mr Collingwood said that Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority, which had replaced the previous Health Authorities, was denying liability in Mrs Gilligan’s claim.

A spokeswoman for the Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority said: “We are unable to comment as this matter is subject to possible legal proceedings”.