Widow warns of asbestos danger

Rita Ryder,60, of Hamilton Road in Lancing, wants to alert businesses and employers to the dangers of the substance, and the serious consequences of being exposed to it.

Rita’s husband Colin died of Mesothelioma at the age of 66, shortly after retiring, and had been looking forward to spending more time with his family.

Colin was exposed to asbestos through three different industrial maintenance jobs that he had during his career, during which time no one had explained to him the dangers of the chemical.

After contracting the disease, Colin was determined not to give in but, despite undergoing chemotherapy, he sadly lost the battle.

Rita said: “It was hard to believe what was happening, as we’d only just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, which was an incredibly happy time.

“I was just so sad and angry at the same time.

“It felt really unfair that Colin had always looked after himself and had been active to try to maintain his health.”

After discovering Colin had contracted the disease, the couple sought compensation through legal firm Moore Blatch Resolve.

Rita is urging employers and organisations to do whatever they can to reduce the risk of future exposure to the substance.