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The family of a Birkenhead man who died from an asbestos-related disease is appealing for former colleagues to come forward with information about the conditions he worked in.
Terance Boyd sadly passed away in August 2025, at age 76. However, it was only after he died that it was confirmed he developed a lung disease called asbestosis. The disease is caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibres, and exposure usually happens decades before symptoms appear.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Mr Boyd worked as an apprentice fitter at Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead. His family said his work involved boiler rooms and industrial areas where asbestos-containing materials were present.
His wife Veronica, who is a Birkenhead local, said he would return home from work covered in white and grey dust.
As well as working in the Birkenhead shipyard, the 76-year-old took to the water in the 1970s in the Merchant Navy. He worked across a range of ships.
Terance's family are now seeking information from anyone who served with him or who can provide information on working conditions within engine rooms and maintenance areas on board the following ships:
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M.V. Otaio
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Calchas
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M.S. Freetown
M.V. Tabor
M.V. Karnak
Booker Viking
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M.V. Aroadian
His family would like to hear from anyone who served alongside him or who can provide information about conditions within engine rooms and maintenance areas on board these vessels.
Another important source they are seeking information from is those who may've worked with him at Lorne Stewart PLC in the 2000s and 2010s. At this time, he was based at the Royal Liverpool Hospital. They say he worked around boilers, pipework and ceiling voids.
They also want to hear from anyone with knowledge of his time at Tate & Lyle Ltd and Pura Ltd – also known as Merseyside Foods – during the late 1970s and early 1980s, when he worked in older buildings.
Paula Wrigley, an asbestos specialist at Thompsons Solicitors' Liverpool office, which is representing the family, said: "Mr Boyd worked in engineering and industrial roles throughout his career, and we want to hear from anyone who remembers conditions at the sites or aboard the vessels where he worked."
She added: "Asbestosis is caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibres, often decades before symptoms develop. Buildings constructed before asbestos was banned frequently contained asbestos materials, and exposure could occur during maintenance, refurbishment and engineering work."
Ms Wrigley said the family was particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked with Mr Boyd or could provide information about boiler rooms, engine rooms, pipe lagging, maintenance work or asbestos materials at these locations.
"Even the smallest recollection could prove important and help build a clearer picture of the conditions in which he worked," she said.
