THE family of a man who died from an asbestos-related disease 50 years after he was exposed to it during Cockenzie Power Station’s construction have vowed to raise awareness of the devastating condition.

Willie Vidler, an electrician, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August last year and died three months later.

His family said that Willie, who was 76, had been fit and active throughout his life and his diagnosis came as a shock.

Daughter Kathryn Dick told the Courier: “Dad got a bit breathless and went to his GP in August.

“The diagnosis was a shock to everyone and right up until three weeks before he died he seemed to have no symptoms.

“He was an electrician and worked at Cockenzie Power Station for around two years when it was being constructed. Despite the fact companies knew about asbestos, nothing was done to protect workers like dad.

“We want to raise awareness of this condition and that people are still being diagnosed with asbestos-related illness today.”

Willie lived in Musselburgh with wife Anne, also 76, and was still working part-time, despite retiring, when he was diagnosed.

A well known figure at Our Lady of Loretto Church, he looked after the church hall and was involved with the youth players for nearly 20 years.

The couple have five children, 14 grandchildren and a large extended family, many of whom are now signed up to take part in this year’s Edinburgh Marathon Festival to raise money for Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA).

A team of 20 family members are taking on the run in Willie’s memory by joining in the full marathon, half marathon and relay teams.

His family said: “As Willie lived in East Lothian and the route of the Edinburgh Marathon passes the former site of Cockenzie Power Station, it seemed apt that various members of his family should challenge themselves.

“Some will be running the full marathon, some the half marathon and others taking part as a team in the relay event.”

About 2,600 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the UK each year and the vast majority of cases are linked to exposure to asbestos.

The fibres from asbestos, which was widely used following the Second World War, enter the lungs and cause mutations which can lead to cancer.

The use of most types of asbestos was banned in the UK in the 1980s, with a total ban on all types introduced in 1999.

Phyllis Craig, senior welfare rights officer at CAA, said: “It is appalling that so many Scottish men and women die each year from someone else’s negligence.

“Asbestos conditions are not a thing of the past. People are being diagnosed now because the latency period between being exposed to asbestos and being diagnosed with the horrendous condition mesothelioma is approximately 20-50 years. Our charity is striving to help these victims.

“The extended family of the late William Vidler are to be commended in their efforts for raising funds for our charity.

“I’m sure Mr Vidler would be very proud of each and every one of them.”

To support the family’s efforts, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/mesorunners

Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos condition can contact CAA on 0800 089 1717 for benefit and legal advice and support.