Father-of-two Roger Burgess, aged 58, is believed to have been exposed to asbestos at the former Round Oak Steelworks in Brierley Hill from 1968 to 1981.

Hundreds of workers lost their jobs after the site was shut and has now been transformed into the Merry Hill shopping centre.

His wife Jackie, aged 54, who he married in 1981, is hoping to fulfil his dying wish of obtaining compensation from the firm’s insurers.

Mr Burgess was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of cancer, in September 2008. He died on January 22 last year.

Mrs Burgess has now also launched a search for his former workmates, who she believes may be able to shed more light on how her husband came into contact with asbestos dust. An inquest last August recorded a verdict of industrial disease.

Iain Shoolbred, from the Birmingham office of law firm Irwin Mitchell, is representing the family in their claim.

“If anyone has any information, it is crucial that they come forward.”

To get in touch email iain.shoolbred@irwinmitchell.com or call 0870 1500 100.