The family of a gas engineer who died of asbestos-related cancer following his suspected exposure at work are appealing for help to trace his colleagues.

Albert Anthony Stonham, known as Tony to his family and friends, was 84 when he died at his home on October 14 2021 – two days after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

His wife, Judith, from Sittingbourne, is now appealing for information to help find out more about how her husband encountered the disease.

The condition is a type of cancer which develops in the lining covering the outer surface of the lungs.

It can also affect the lining of the stomach, heart or testicles, and is usually linked to asbestos exposure.

More than 2,700 people are diagnosed with the illness each year in the UK, with most cases appearing in people over the age of 75.

Mr Stonham’s family believe he came into contact with the cancer-causing mineral during his job as a gas engineer in South East London and Kent – an industry he worked in for 36 years.

He started his career working as a distribution engineer and gas fitter for South Eastern Gas Board (SEGAS) at Old Kent Road in London in 1957, whereby he would replace old gas mains and install new pipes and fittings.

He also helped convert the supply to natural gas whilst working in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Mr Stonham remained at the site for 19 years, during which time he was also promoted to area supervisor in 1970.

In 1976, he was transferred to the SEGAS site in Sittingbourne where he continued working as a supervisor until his retirement in 1993.

Mr Stonham was described as a family man by those closest to him, and was well-loved by many including his son, daughter and wife Judith.

He was also very active before becoming ill, and enjoyed going for walks and being a keen runner – something showcased by his participation in the London Marathon several times.

However, since his sudden death Mr Stonham’s family are now appealing to former colleagues who may also have encountered asbestos while working on projects alongside him to come forward, and who can describe the use of asbestos materials.

They are using specialist personal injury law firm Leigh Day to represent them.

Partner at the firm, Daniel Easton, said: “Unfortunately things happened decades ago where people were exposed to asbestos at work and it comes back to haunt them.

“Many years later people can then get things like blood cancer, or, in this case, mesothelioma, which affects a lot of people and is much more common than you would think.

“So we’re hoping to be able to chase some people who worked with Mr Stonham or did a similar job to him.”