THE widow of a man who died from asbestos cancer is urgently seeking his former colleagues to help her secure compensation for his death.

William Marler, 68, died at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, in Woolwich, in July from mesothelioma, an asbestos-related illness.

From 1964 to 1967, Mr Marler worked for the now defunct transport firm R V Chuck, based in Rosher Road, Stratford.

He would regularly drive to Millwall to collect asbestos and take it to the Cape factory in Watford.

It is believed that while unloading his lorry, Mr Marler was exposed to asbestos fibres.

Mr Marler's widow Jenny Ayers said: "My life will never be the same as it was when he was alive.

"I cannot replace William who would still be here today but for the negligence of his employer."

Signs of mesothelioma do not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include chest pains, shortness of breath, weight loss and blood clots.

Mesothelioma is the development of malignant cells in the mesothelium; a protective lining that covers the body's internal organs.

In severe cases, it is fatal and can cause the lung to collapse.

Ms Ayers said: "No-one should have to suffer the way William suffered and I will fight for justice on his behalf.

"I cannot believe that RV Chuck had such a poor view of health and safety that they continued to expose my husband to asbestos when they knew of the risks or ought to have known of the risks that were involved."

Because RV Chuck has long since ceased trading, the only way Ms Ayers' family can acquire compensation is by tracing the insurer for the company at the time Mr Marler was exposed to asbestos.

Thompsons Solicitors are representing Ms Ayers' family.

Thompsons' Kim Bouwer said: "Mesothelioma is a terrible illness caused by employers' disregard for their workers' lives.

"Asbestos-related diseases will cause 10,000 deaths a year by 2010 and will be the biggest industrial killer of all time.

"It is important that we trace William Marler's co-workers, not because compensation will make up for his death, but to ensure that those people who forced him to work in such deadly conditions pay for what they did."

Anybody who worked for RV Chuck, from the 1960s to 1990s, is urged to contact Thompsons on 7290 0061