The family of a former painter and decorator who died of a lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos are appealing to ex-employees for help in their fight for justice.

David Fermor, who lived in the same house in Maidstone all of his life, passed away on January 15, aged 77.

The football fan worked for R. Corben's Ltd, known by many as “Corben’s”, in Tonbridge Road from 1960 to 1969.

He completed an apprenticeship with the company and then continued working as a qualified painter and decorator.

During his employment, he was reportedly sent by Corben’s to work at various sites across Kent and the wider UK, including Aylesford Paper Mill between 1960-62; Brookgate Industries - a company that made calendar paper, Kimberley Clark and the local council.

This included painting council-owned housing and cleaning gutters on houses in the Detling area.

David was the eldest of four siblings and was unmarried - he had no children or grandchildren.

As well as working as a painter and decorator he worked as a youth worker at the Howard de Walden community centre in Bluett Street, Maidstone where he previously had been a member himself.

According to family members, Dave was very supportive of youngsters and was a champion of youth clubs.

He took groups on days out and short holidays both in England and abroad - he was even involved with managing their football team, The Trojans, who won The Jack Small Challenge Cup in 1972 at the old Maidstone United football ground.

Dave enjoyed all forms of history and loved to travel.

He enjoyed being with friends and family and sharing a pint at the pub.

'Mesothelioma is a terrible disease and sadly David passed away before he could provide a great deal of information about his exposure to the deadly cancer'

But as of November last year Dave was admitted to hospital following a visit to his GP with a heart problem.

He was disagnosed with mesothelioma - a cancer commonly caused by asbestos exposure - and had planned to undergo chemotherapy, but his illness progressed very quickly.

Now Dave's family are appealing for any former colleagues who are willing to come forward who may have encountered asbestos while working on the same projects.

Solicitors Hodge Jones & Allen are representing them

Partner at the firm. Isobel Lovett, said: “Mesothelioma is a terrible disease and sadly David passed away before he could provide a great deal of information about his exposure to the deadly cancer-causing asbestos fibres.

"We would like to hear from anyone who worked at any of the same workplaces as David. It could help his family achieve justice for the suffering he endured through no fault of his own.

"Unfortunately, historic asbestos exposure is still affecting many people like David, who worked in a job they loved and yet find themselves affected by serious ill-health due to simply doing their job.

"In cases like this, witnesses are crucial in the search for justice. We hope that someone reading this will recall David and will come forward to help.”

If anyone or a family member is able to assist, get in touch with Isobel Lovett, at Hodges Jones & Allen on 0207 874 8502 or email ilovett@hja.net