THE family of a Leigh athlete who died after contact with asbestos attended a public meeting in the hope of re-opening their compensation case.

Dennis Topping, of Pennington Road in Leigh, died of malignant mesothelioma in November last year -- 30 years after having contact with asbestos while working for two local industrial giants, Turner Brothers and Courtaulds.

Mr Topping and his family had been fighting for compensation, and ultimately recognition for his illness which subsequently led to his death, since his diagnosis in 1997. Last year they were told claims had been halted indefinitely because the companies had gone into voluntary liquidation.

They then faced a second set-back when in the Fairchild case a Court of Appeal prevented compensation being paid in cases involving more than one employer.

Mr Topping's wife Patricia is determined to continue fighting. She said: "It isn't about the money anymore. It would have helped him live his last months in comfort, but now it is more about the principle. Someone is responsible for his death."

Over 400 people, including asbestos support groups, victims and their families, travelled from as far as London and Scotland to attend a public meeting in Manchester on Friday to discuss the situation further.

Patricia said: "It was very moving, one man got up to talk about his experiences and told us he only had six months left to live. My daughter, Tracy was heartbroken."

Leigh MP Andy Burnham was also at the meeting to show his support.

Mr Burnham said: "My heart goes out to the families, this position is outrageous. I want to stress that there is not an overnight solution, but there is a growing band of support -- myself included -- who will fight until the end for justification."

A lobby of parliament is planned for April, to coincide with the appeal date for the Fairchild case, with further meetings and talks with government scheduled for coming weeks.