A FORMER plumber who has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness is appealing to his former colleagues for help as he launches a battle for justice.

Sidney Brookes, from Altrincham, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is a cancer in the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos.

The 75-year-old father-of-two instructed industrial illness experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate where and when he was exposed to asbestos throughout his career so he can obtain justice for the exposure.

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell would like to hear from any of Sidney’s ex-colleagues who have worked him over the past 30 years as a plumber at various companies in Altrincham where he believes he may have come into contact with asbestos, including: • Tommy Thorpes (1950 to 1960); • Armstrong & Son (1960 until 1968); • J Shuttleworths & Sons Ltd (1968 until 1976).

Anyone with any information about the working conditions and insurers at any of the above firms for whom Sidney worked is asked to contact Dominic Hemsi at MPH Solicitors (part of Irwin Mitchell) on dominic.hemsi@mphsolicitors.co.uk or call 0161 259 1517.