A FORMER merchant seaman suffering from terminal cancer is appealing for ex-colleagues to help in his legal battle for compensation.

David Lawrence Robinson, 77, was allegedly exposed to asbestos while working on a number of ships in the region’s dockyards over the past 50 years.

Mr Robinson, who lived at the time in Wirral, now hopes any ex-colleagues from Ellesmere Port, Neston and Wirral get in touch with his legal team.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the fatal asbestos-related disease, in July 2007.

Mr Robinson, known as Robbie to his friends, claims to have been exposed to asbestos dust while working for Thos & Jas Harrison Ltd/Charente Ltd from 1948 to 1951 and again from 1964 to 1966.

He sailed on merchant ships which owned by Liverpool-based Charente Ltd and managed by Liverpool-based Thos & Jas Harrisons Ltd.

Mr Robinson worked as a purser and sailed out of Liverpool docks on a number of ships including The Historian, The Linguist, The Novelist, The Philosopher, The Specialist, The Statesman and The Geologist.

Now retired and living in Exeter with his wife Margaret, Mr Robinson has launched a claim for compensation against his former employers, who are still trading.

He claimed: “There was asbestos lagging all over the steam ships as all the steam pipes were insulated with asbestos.

“A lot of the ships were very old and the lagging was in a poor condition as it had deteriorated over time.

“I always assumed I would have years ahead of me to spend with my family and friends.

“However, my family and I have now got to try to come to terms with the fact that there is no cure for this cancer.”

Hayley Hill, from the Birmingham office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell, is representing Mr Robinson in his legal battle.

She explained: “The diagnosis of mesothelioma came as a terrible shock to Mr Robinson and his family.

“While no amount of compensation will ever make up for him contracting this industrial disease, it is vital in order for him and his family to obtain some recompense, that people who have information concerning the working practices and conditions on board ships owned by Charente Ltd or managed by Thos & Jas Harrison Ltd, come forward to help us with our enquiries.

“We are particularly interested to hear from anyone who worked on Charente Ltd/Thos & Jas Harrison Ltd ships from 1948 through to 1966.”

Anyone with information should contact Hayley Hill at Irwin Mitchell solicitors on 0870 1500 100.