A NORTH-EAST widow has appealed for help from former colleagues of her husband who died of an asbestos-related disease.

Anne Metcalfe, 72, from Darlington, lost her husband Malcolm in August 2009 to mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos.

It is believed Mr Metcalfe, an electrician, was exposed to the substance while working for Metropolitan Vickers, also known as Metrovicks, in Stockton, from 1954 to 1955.

Mrs Metcalfe has instructed industrial illness specialist Roger Maddocks, a partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell, to investigate a claim against the company, which manufactured locomotives.

The mother-of-three said one of the proudest moments of her husband’s career was tarnished when the devastating symptoms of mesothelioma first appeared in 2005.

She said: “Malcolm was a Freemason and was being installed as Master of the Lodge, but on the night of his installation, he became unwell and complained of breathlessness.

That was the first time he’d noticed the symptoms.

“Before this, he had always been very fit – he played golf and was a keen walker and sailor, and he enjoyed woodworking.

He was a real perfectionist and was always making small furniture and clocks for our grandchildren.

“His illness grew worse with time, but we were never given a diagnosis until March last year – the news was a crushing blow and we were devastated.”

Roger Maddocks said: “We need anyone who worked with Mr Metcalfe at Metrovicks to come forward and help us confirm our beliefs about the working conditions there.”

Anybody with information is asked to contact Mr Maddocks on 0191-279-0095.