Mesothelioma a 'Teesside plague'

Harry, father of five, and grandfather of 15. Died aged 67.

Many workers from Teesside developed mesothelioma after inhaling asbestos fibres while working in shipyards, oil refineries and at ICI.

The region's industries have left a legacy that is a 'ticking timebomb'for workers and families.

Margaret Gray from Hartlepool lost her husband Harry to the disease at 67, and her son Stephen too, at just 44:

'We know so many families who have lost relatives, it seems to be a plague in Hartlepool and Teesside'.

'Still very angry'

Margaret spoke to BBC Look North's Barbara Argument about her husband, who died in November 2002.

Stephen with his two children, Harry, now seven, and Katie, now four.

The granddad of 15 became ill after being exposed to asbestos fibres whilst working as a lagger from the age of 14.

"I am still very angry about what has happened to my family and worried about the three sons and daughter I have left.

"It could be that Stephen got the disease from his dad's clothes when he had a cuddle as a lad - and that's something I think about for my other children.

"I worry about if that has affected them."

'No cure'

Margaret's daughter, Carole:

"We were shocked to find out there was no cure and there was no way to save Stephen."

Health and Safety Executive - Mesothelioma Facts Mesothelioma deaths have increased from 153 in 1968 to 2,156 in 2007. Most frequently recorded occupations for those who develop mesothelioma are carpenters, joiners, plumbers, heating and ventilation engineers and electricians. Deaths are predicted to peak at 2,038 in 2016. The North East Asbestos Support and Awareness Group is based at the Trade Union Centre, 119/121 Marton Road, Middlesbrough

Stephen, who also worked as a lagger, left behind a partner, a son Harry, now aged seven, and a daughter Katie, now four.

"He got £400,000 compensation and bought a lovely house for the family, but that doesn't make up for the children having to grow up with no dad." says Margaret.

The Orton family are holding a Christmas Fair on Sunday, 13 December, with profits going to the British Lung Foundation.

The event will take place in Central Library, York Road, Hartlepool, from 11am to 4pm.