THE family of a retired Oxford stonemason, who died from cancer caused by asbestos, are searching for former colleagues to help get answers.

Grandfather Neil Woodward, from Jericho, died in May 2010.

The 75-year-old had worked as a stonemason in the city for decades, specialising in fixing statues and gargoyles around the university colleges.

But it wasn’t until after his death that it was revealed he had been suffering with mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.

Granddaughter Jade Woodward, 24, from Bicester, said: “We didn’t know that he was suffering from it until about three weeks before his death.

“We found out it had been an industrial illness, and then discovered it had been caused by asbestos. His health was always fine. He sometimes had problems breathing but that must have been a prolonged symptom of this illness that we didn’t know about.”

From 1949 until 1968 Mr Woodward worked for Axtell and Perry, a building company based in Osney Mead, which changed its name to Symm & Company.

He worked on buildings, including St Peter’s Church, Balliol College, St John’s College, Trinity College, St Michael’s Church, Christ Church and other colleges.

In July, coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded a verdict that Mr Woodward had died as a result of an industrial illness.

Now his family are determined to fight for further answers. And are urging former colleagues to come forward to find out how he became exposed to asbestos.

Miss Woodward said: “His death has hit my grandmother hard. She’s different now. They had reached their golden wedding anniversary the year before.”

Widow Veronica Ann Woodward, 73, said: “My husband devoted his entire working life to being a stonemason. We had been married for 52 years, and have a daughter and four grandchildren who miss him terribly.

“His illness came as a huge shock to us as he’d always been a very fit and active man. I now have a huge hole left in my life.”

No one at Symm and Company was available for comment.

Kim Barrett from Irwin Mitchell solicitors, which represents Mrs Woodward, said: “In order to obtain justice for his family, I need to hear from people who have information concerning the working practices at sites contracted out by Axtell and Perry between 1949 and 1954, and Symm & Company between 1961 and 1968.”

Contact Kim Barrett on 0121 214 5407 or email kim.barrett@irwinmitchell.com