The family of a man who died from an asbestos-related cancer are attempting to trace his former colleagues.

Lee Mullins was only 49 when he passed away from mesothelioma - a cancer which is linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibres.

He had worked at the Ford Dagenham plant between September 1985 to March 1990 when he was aged 19 to 24 and was on the family intake management program for the adult children of Ford managers.

The father-of-two attended the entrance exam at Romford in 1985.

His wife Sue, who lives in Rayleigh, said: “We know that at the time of his employment at Ford, asbestos was being used in certain products within the motor industry.

“As Lee’s condition developed so quickly we were unable to confirm exactly what his role was and indeed whether or not he came into contact with the asbestos during this time.

“We desperately need to talk to someone that worked with Lee at the Ford Motor Company to fill in the gaps.”

Lee, who was a keen rugby player, became ill in Christmas 2015 and he received a diagnosis of mesothelioma in March 2016.

In Lee’s case, the cancer was in the stomach and he died on April 11, 2016.

Sue added: “We were all, naturally, shocked and devastated having very little time to adjust.

“What is unusual about Lee’s case is the age at which he was affected and the speed in which it developed.

“We were told mesothelioma would usually develop 50 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos therefore most people showing signs of this form of cancer are usually much older.

“This is an extremely aggressive cancer known to be caused by contact with asbestos.”

Lee was known as a local celebrity at the Brownstock Music Festival because of his outrageous outfits.

He also had a brother named Boyd which Sue feels may jog people’s memory.

Michael Osborne, of Larcomes solicitors added: “Lee suspected he was exposed to asbestos when working on the production line as a result of fitting brake pads to vehicles.

“I am keen to contact former Ford workers who may recall Lee or have useful information about whether asbestos was used in any processes on the production line at the Ford factory.”

If you have useful information, please contact Michael on michael.orsborne@larcomes.co.uk.