The family of a man who died after contracting a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure are appealing for answers into his death.

Patrick O’Brien, from Tadworth, died aged 66 less than a month after he was diagnosed was mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs often connected to asbestos exposure.

His family are now appealing for information regarding his diagnosis "to honour his memory" with lawyers from Irwin Mitchell who Patrick contacted prior to his death to investigate the illness further.

Lacey St James, the asbestos-related disease specialist at the firm representing Patrick’s family, said:

"Patrick’s story is another tragic example of the devastation caused by asbestos exposure, with the consequences only coming to light years after first contact with the substance.

"Patrick spoke to us just days before he passed away, which shows his determination to discover the truth about his mesothelioma exposure and why his family wish to continue his search.

"Unfortunately, due to the very short period of time between his diagnosis and death, Patrick was not well enough to pass on all the details about his working life, so any information former colleagues may hold concerning their working conditions could prove vital to the investigation and help secure the answers and closure the family deserve."

Patrick was born in Vauxhall in 1953, and grew up in Battersea before moving to Chelsea as a young man.

He later married Jane, now aged 63, and they went on to have two children, Daniel and Emma.

They lived in Chelsea until 1981 when they moved to Sutton and later Cheam in the 90s before finally arriving in Tadworth in 2015.

Patrick worked as a maintenance worker during his career, including with Barclays Hotels as part of a team of six.

Patrick’s wife Jane described Patrick's passing as "terrible":

"Losing Patrick in such a sudden and unexpected way was a terrible experience for the whole family," she said.

"We had so many plans for the future and never dreamed something like this could happen. We miss him every day.

"Daniel noticed his dad was coughing noticeably and the first doctor’s appointment in February 2019 led to a chest X-ray which showed a shadow on the lung.

"We were told it was pneumonia and he was given antibiotics. When the symptoms didn’t go away a biopsy led to mesothelioma being diagnosed on 17 July and by 14 August, I had lost my husband and Daniel and Emma had lost their father.

"Despite the pain he was in, Patrick was determined to find out how he came into contact with asbestos but I don’t think either of us realised the disease would progress so quickly," Jane said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Catriona McGregor on 0207 650 3865 or email Catriona.mcgregor@irwinmitchell.com