THE family of a Cheltenham man who died of cancer are appealing for information about his possible asbestos exposure.

Relatives of ex-Gloucester Rugby player Stanley Ingram, who died last June, are hoping ex-workmates will step forward in a bid to help their compensation battle.

A post-mortem examination revealed the 73-year-old, from Granley Fields, died from mesothelioma, a fatal and aggressive cancer of the chest lining caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mr Ingram, who worked on the refurbishment of various buildings in Cheltenham and Gloucester, is believed to have been exposed to asbestos during some of his work. His job included work as a french polisher with WG Nicholls Ltd during the late 1950s and early 1960s, and building work for Barnwood Builders, now Barnwood Construction Ltd, from 1964 to 1980.

Mr Ingram leaves his wife of 46 years, Valerie, three children and two grandchildren.

Mrs Ingram said: "Stan was always so fit and active – so when he suddenly became ill, we knew something wasn't right.

"It was horrific to see him so helpless and the worst part was that no one could tell us why this was happening to him."

In his youth, Mr Ingram played for Gloucester Rugby Club. He was also part of the England under-16 and under-19 squads.

Kim Barrett, a workplace illness expert, said: "Stan's family are still trying to come to terms with his death, particularly the shock of finding the illness which cut short his life was due to asbestos exposure."

A spokesman for Barnwood Construction said: "We believe Mr Ingram was not employed by Barnwood Builders. He was engaged as a self-employed french polisher. To our knowledge he did not work in an environment where he would have been exposed to asbestos." WG Nicholls Ltd could not be contacted.