The widow of a man who died of asbestos-related cancer is appealing to his former work colleagues for information ahead of possible legal action.

Reginald Alfred Fletcher died just before his 88th birthday in December from mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

His wife of 63 years, Connie Fletcher, 87, of Heathcote Grove, Chingford, has hired law firm Irvin Mitchell to investigate possible exposure when he worked at Watney's Brewery in Whitechapel. 

Mr Fletcher was a HGV driver for the company between 1955 and 1988.

Mrs Fletcher said her husband collected barrels from the brewery and carried out maintenance on brakes and clutches, which contained asbestos at the time. 

She said: "A doctor mentioned asbestos when Reg first got ill but I didn't believe it.  

"Now I know it laid dormant in his body for years. 

"He was a fit man up until his health rapidly deteriorated.

"He was always very independent, which made it heartbreaking to see him suffering in pain and relying on other people for everything. 

"He was taken from us before it was his time to go. 

"It was wicked and a terrible injustice." 

"No amount of money will replace Reg in my life, but I hope we will secure justice in his name which will help my family move on from this terrible time in our lives."

Watney's later became part of Truman's and was eventually taken over by Diageo. 

Mrs Fletcher's lawyer Natalia Rushworth, added: "Reg passed away before he could provide details on his exposure to asbestos. 

"It takes decades after exposure to the dangerous dust and fibres for the illness to develop so it can be difficult to piece together the full picture.

"We would like to hear from anyone who worked with Reg at Watney’s regarding the working conditions they experienced, the presence of asbestos in the brewery and what measures, if any, were in place to protect workers from the hazardous substance.

"This information will be crucial in Connie’s battle for justice in Reg’s name and we would urge anyone with knowledge of asbestos exposure at the brewery to contact us."

Former colleagues are asked to contact Ms Rushworth on 0207 421 3900 or email Natalia.Rushworthwhite@IrwinMitchell.com