The widow of a man who died after being exposed to asbestos has won her fight for compensation.

Wilf Human, 82, who lived in Strood, died from mesothelioma, an aggressive, asbestos-related cancer.

Lawyers acting on behalf of his widow, Edna, did not have any witnesses to support their client’s case and asked the Medway Messenger to run a story to appeal for witnesses who knew him and could comment on his work with asbestos at the Grain refinery.

The publicity prompted two former colleagues to get in touch with the legal team and, as a result of their evidence, legal proceedings were issued against BP Oil UK.

The High Court found the company liable to pay compensation to his family.

On June 10 this year, the court ordered that BP pay an initial compensation amount of £47,000 pending a hearing in October when full compensation will be determined.

Paul Meehan, of Pattinson Brewer Solicitors in London, said: “Without the help of the Medway Messenger, we would not be in this position.”

Mr Human’s son Robert added: “Prior to the diagnosis, Dad was so full of life. Afterwards, his health deteriorated quickly. He was in severe and constant pain “I really can’t thank the Medway Messenger enough for publishing the appeal for dad’s former work colleagues to come forward."

Full story in Monday's print edition of the Medway Messenger