A loving husband who enjoyed classic cars and football died after a bout with an aggressive cancer.

An inquest into Christopher Watmough's death revealed he died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on August 26 this year. He was 74 years old.

The cause of death was confirmed to be mesothelioma - a type of cancer which develops in the organs - and a transient ischemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke.

Mr Watmough, also known as Chris, was born in Ilford Essex but lived at Charles Close in Wroxham.

A statement by Mr Watmough's wife Loraine said: "From the age of 13 Chris worked his whole life up until a few months before he died. 

"All he wanted to do was earn money to provide for me and the kids.

"He became a painter and decorator in the 70s and did this all throughout his career but this was also where he was exposed to asbestos early on.

"Chris was a very sociable person and loved football and classic cars. He'd even bought one just before he died.

The court heard Mr Watmough loved classic cars, football and scootersThe court heard Mr Watmough loved classic cars, football and scooters (Image: Newsquest)

"He was also an avid scooter fan and belonged to clubs where he would go away with like-minded fans on holiday."

"In August last year Chris felt an ache in his side and was exhausted. 

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"A chest x-ray revealed he had fluid on his lung and was diagnosed with mesothelioma a month later following a biopsy and was asked if he'd been exposed to asbestos."

The court heard Mr Watmough would breathe in dust while sanding down and painting soffits made from asbestos.

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He later started his own business, CW Decorating Services, which he continued to work for until retiring in 2023. His daughter Charlotte and son Jack now run the business.

Area coroner, Yvonne Blake, said: "Mr Watmough was exposed to asbestos early in his career, in buildings filled with it."

She concluded Mr Watmough died due to industrial disease.

Area coroner, Yvonne Blake, concluded Mr Watmough died due to industrial diseaseArea coroner, Yvonne Blake, concluded Mr Watmough died due to industrial disease (Image: Newsquest)