Man takes on swim in memory of best friend

A MAN is set to take on a 5km swim in memory of his friend who died from a rare disease.

Ben Langford, from St Athan, was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer in 2014.

He underwent various forms of treatment to try to combat the disease, but sadly lost his life at the age of 27.

His best friend Ralph Windle, from Barry, said: “It was the sort of condition that’s almost a million to one.

“He was something like the fourth person in the UK to be diagnosed with it.

“It’s so rare, I don’t even know there’s a name for it.”

Ben’s initial tumour diagnosis came with a 90% chance of survival.

But he was later told he had an 80% chance of beating the disease, and then later still 30%, before he was eventually told his condition was terminal.

After chemotherapy and stem cell research Ben lost his battle about two years after his diagnosis.

Now Mr Windle is determined to help Velindre, the cancer charity that supported his friend. if

“It wasn’t until Ben was ill that I got to see how much a charity can do for someone,” the 26-year-old said.

“I wanted to do something for the people who did so much for Ben.

“Sometimes it was just the little things people used to do that made a difference.

“There was one man at Velindre who used to come in with DVDs for him to watch. He just had so much support there.”

He added: “He was my best friend and was like a brother to me. I think about him a lot.”

Ralph is now set to take on the Suunto Great London Swim to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre in July.

He will swim 5km to raise money for the Velindre Cancer Centre.

He is taking part with the support of Ben’s family and wife.

He said: “His wife, Helen, offered him great support.

“They got married after he was diagnosed and she took time off from work to help care for him.

“His family were also wonderful, as were all the boys in our friendship group.”

To make a donation, visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ralphwindle