THE widow of a York man who died from an asbestos-related lung cancer is appealing for former railway colleagues to come forward to help with a legal investigation.

Ronald Garwood, of Acomb, died in September 2009, aged 68, after suffering from Mesothelioma – a cancer which develops following exposure to asbestos dust.

His widow, Marjorie, has asked industrial illness experts at lawyers Irwin Mitchell to help investigate where he was exposed to the deadly material.

A spokesman for the firm said it was believed he was exposed while working as a track engineer from British Rail’s depot in Dringhouses between 1968 and 1994.

Solicitor Ian Toft said Mr Garwood worked on the tracks next to the former York Carriageworks, where it is known there was widespread exposure to asbestos, and on the electrification of the East Coast Main Line.

“Mesothelioma is a deadly illness and can take up to 40 years to develop,” he said. “This makes it difficult to trace colleagues and insurance documents. We urge anybody who worked with Mr Garwood at British Rail, and in particular at the carriageworks, to come forward, as they may know key information which can help with our investigation.”

Mrs Garwood said it had been a “terrible shock” to hear her husband had died as a result of breathing in asbestos dust, as she had only found out he had contracted mesothelioma after he had died. “It is a horrific illness and it was frightening how quickly it took hold of Ronald,” she said. “He only began to feel ill in May 2009 and died the following September.

“Ronald was very popular and well-known at British Rail so I am sure there are people out there who remember working with him. I urge anybody who did work with him or has any other information to contact Irwin Mitchell.”

Anybody with any relevant information can phone Mr Toft on 0870 1500 100.