THE DEVASTATED family of a carpenter who died of an asbestos-related disease have launched an emotional appeal for justice.

Grandfather-of-two John Hammond was allegedly exposed to the deadly dust when working for West Thurrock-based Tunnel Portland Cement Company from 1962 to 1966 and 1969 to 1975, by which time it was called Tunnel Cement Limited.

There was a Tunnel Asbestos factory on the site which manufactured asbestos products. A railroad went through the site and locomotives pulled trucks of asbestos powder along it. His job involved working by the side of the railway.

John, 73, battled with breathing problems for many years. He suffered from pleural thickening and asbestosis, a lung disease caused by exposure to lethal asbestos fibres, which took his life on February 17 last year.

His death left his wife of 49 years, Sylvia, three daughters and two grandsons distraught and desperate for justice.

They are now asking his former colleagues to come forward with vital information.

Daughter Nicola Bishop said: “Sadly, all those years he had spent working hard and looking forward to retirement were marred by constant visits to the doctors when his breathing became worse and his health deteriorated.

“It was only following the post mortem we discovered his death was due to asbestosis.”

The family want workers from Tunnel Portland Cement Company Ltd, Tunnel Cement Limited or Tunnel Asbestos, to get in touch, particularly anyone who worked there between 1962 and 1975.

Contact Alice Humphreys, at Irwin Mitchell, on 0870 1500100 or e-mail alice.humphreys@irwinmitchell.com