Tragic dad died hours after asking his girlfriend to marry him

A FUN-LOVING Ammanford dad has lost his three-year battle against cancer — just hours after getting engaged.

Father-of-one Westley Roach died at Ty Bryngwyn Hospice after suffering a rare form of testicular cancer.

The 28-year-old, who leaves a five-year-old daughter, Jodie, proposed to fiancee Louise Sutherland only hours before his death.

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 fun-loving and lively character.

Pal Ryan Davies said: "Westley was a great guy — he was always telling jokes.

"He always said that if he died then people should attend his funeral in fancy dress.

"He was big on his family and adored his daughter and fiance.

"He was a great snooker player and was well known for his talent — it was a big hobby of his.

"He will be greatly missed by a lot of people in Ammanford — it's as though a big part of the community has been ripped out."

A statement released to the Post by Mr Roach's closest friends said: "Westley was a great friend and will be sadly missed.

"Our thoughts and feelings go out to his family, fiancee and daughter.

"He will remain in our hearts and memories forever — he will not be forgotten."

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 to America 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 on Friday, 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.