A FORMER rigger diagnosed with a crippling lung disease is appealing for help from former workers who may know about the presence of asbestos dust at a Carrington refinery during the 70s and 80s.

Partington resident Michael McGarry, known as ‘Skip’ when he worked for Shell UK from1977 to 1985, was diagnosed with the lung disease asbestosis in the summer of 2014.

Asbestosis affects people exposed to high levels of asbestos over many years. Once inhaled, the asbestos fibres lodge in the lungs and permanently damage the air sacs that supply oxygen to the blood stream.

In serious cases it can severely restrict breathing and leaves sufferers with breathlessness, chest pains and coughing after only gentle activity. There is no cure.

Former soldier Michael, 61, has fought back from a major stroke and heart surgery only to be faced with asbestosis.

Michael says: “At one time I could stand all day in a field with my two dogs but now I can’t because I’m so out of breath. If I walk for the paper I have to pace myself and lie down when I make it home. I can no longer travel abroad or hold a driving licence. Patricia, my wife, has to do everything; all the cooking, cleaning, gardening and go to work. I can just about make a cup of tea but that’s about it.”

With the support of the National Asbestos Helpline and Birchall Blackburn Law, Michael and Patricia are appealing to former Shell UK workers from Shell UK’s Carrington refinery to help the family make an industrial disease compensation.

Michael worked within the oldest central site were thousands of asbestos-lagged pipes ran throughout the refinery.

His job was to put in place pipes and machinery, remove old pipes and equipment, put up scaffold and remove asbestos from pipes that were to be repaired.

Michael said: “My worst exposure to asbestos dust was when I worked below the laggers on the scaffolds and gantries as they removed asbestos from the pipes. The asbestos fell on top of me like snow falling from the sky. It completely covered me.”

Jan Garvey, from the National Asbestos Helpline, said: “We talk to people, like Michael and Patricia, every day. They’re looking forward to a hard-earned retirement but suddenly face illness and uncertainty. Sadly, the asbestos legacy continues to destroy people’s lives but if we can secure some form of help and support for sufferers it means the world to them. They can pay for extra care, equipment, aids and secure their family’s future.”

Anyone who can help, call Joan Kennedy from Birchall Blackburn Law on 01244 684 475 or Jan Garvey at the National Asbestos Helpline on Freephone 0800 043 6635. Alternatively, email jxkennedy@birchallblackburn.co.uk. Details will remain confidential.