THE daughter of a Kempsey man killed by asbestos-related cancer seven weeks after diagnosis is calling for former workers at Metal Box to come forward with information.

Michael Darling died from the industrial disease in February earlier this year after working at the now-defunct Worcester factory.

His family are now seeking evidence on "the use of asbestos or disturbance of asbestos in the premises" as part of a legal claim.

Daughter Christina Darling and family members are also leading a new charity campaign called MesoMakes to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, selling homemade crafts such as badges, hairbands, bracelets and pictures featuring the forget-me-not flower, the symbol for Mesothelioma UK.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body's organs. It's usually linked to asbestos exposure and affects some 2,500 people get diagnosed with it in the UK every year. 

Mrs Darling said: “We had never even heard of mesothelioma, so it was such a shock when my father was diagnosed with this lung disease, particularly as there is no history of cancer in the family. 

"Having passed away seven weeks after his diagnosis we are still learning so much about the devastating effects of mesothelioma lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

“Raising the awareness of both mesothelioma and the charity in the Worcestershire area is the key driving force of our campaign and fundraising to help families shattered by this horrible disease. 

“We would also like to urge anyone who thinks they might have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any sudden changes in their breathing to please get it checked out with your GP.

"As a family we currently have a witness appeal for workers from the Metal Box Perry Wood site to come forward and share with us their knowledge of the use of asbestos or disturbance of asbestos in the premises as part of our claim."

Anyone with information on asbestos-related issues at Metal Box can contact Jemima Ware at Royds Withy King solicitors: jemima.ware@roydswithyking.com