Family grieving after loss of a fun-loving guy

THE grieving fiancee of an Ammanford dad who lost his three-year battle with cancer just hours after getting engaged has opened her heart on her painful loss.

But Louise Sutherland said it was some comfort to know the man she loved was no longer suffering.

Father-of-one Westley Roach died at Ty Bryngwyn Hospice just hours after the pair became engaged. He had suffered a rare form of testicular cancer.

Pals and family members have since left tributes on social networking website Facebook, on a group entitled the Westley Roach Cancer Care Fund, which was set up to try to send him to America for specialist treatment.

His fiancee Louise wrote: "My baby, I love you so, so much.

"You will be in my heart always, I can't believe you have gone.

"I'm hurting so much but at the same time I'm glad you are not suffering any more.

"I hope they love you up there as much as we do down here, I can't wait to see you again."

The former Amman Valley Comprehensive School pupil, who worked for LG Fasteners in Llansamlet, Swansea, for five years before falling ill, has been described by friends as a popular, fun-loving character.

Mr Roach's sister-in-law, Stephanie Roach, wrote: "Westley, you made me laugh until you took your last breath.

"I love you always and I hope you will still be with us always.

"Thanks for wonderful memories and I promise I will look after your brother and our family.

"I love you loads and am missing you like crazy."

Carol Davies wrote: "Westley, I will always remember that you always had a smile and not once complained when we asked how you were.

"You had so much courage and we were lucky people to have known you.

"You will be sorely missed by everyone — RIP to a great man."

After the cancer was diagnosed, Mr Roach, of Heol Wallasey, underwent a number of gruelling operations and chemotherapy, but the disease spread to his lungs. Doctors told him they had never seen a cancer like it.

Friends and family had raised thousands of pounds to send him for specialist treatment.

His plight touched the hearts of some well-known sports stars, including the Liverpool football players, Welsh boxing ace Joe Calzaghe and Bonymaen bruiser Enzo Maccarinelli, who all signed merchandise for an auction two years ago. But Mr Roach finally lost his fight on December 29.

There will be a public service at Ammanford's All Saints' Church at 1pm tomorrow, followed by a service at Llanelli Crematorium at 2.30pm.

This will be followed by a fancy dress party at Ammanford Rugby Club in the evening.