A WIDOW whose husband suffered an agonising death after allegedly being exposed to asbestos decades earlier has launched a battle for compensation.

Brian Chiswell, 72, died in May 2013 in Walton.

The former painter and decorator died less than a year after being diagnosed with mesothelioma – a cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos.

Brian’s wife of 47 years, Christine, has now launched a legal battle over his death.

She believes her husband’s cancer may have been caused by exposure to the deadly material while he was working.

Brian is thought to have cut strips of asbestos sheeting as an apprentice decorator in Leyton in the 1960s, as well as working with asbestos panelling in Hackney in the 1980s and 90s.

Christine said: “Brian was a hugely loved husband, father and grandad, and two years on from his death we all still miss his presence so much.

“It was incredibly difficult to come to terms with his mesothelioma diagnosis, and both radiotherapy and chemotherapy took a huge toll on him.

“He also needed fluid draining from his lungs and around a month before his death he started to deteriorate quickly.

“It was horrible to witness and now the family just want to know how he came to suffer this awful illness.”

She appealed for anyone who worked with Brian over the years to get in contact to share details about his working conditions.

Anyone who worked with Brian should call Helen England on 0207 421 3856 or e-mail helen.england @irwinmitchell.com