A memorial bench has been erected in memory of a 25 year-old Wednesbury man who died of a rare form of cancer – paid for by money raised by his friends and family in a range of fund-raising activities.
The bench at Pemberton Crescent, Wednesbury has been installed in memory of Ryan Lester, who ran Optimum Plumbing with his father Andrew when he died last October.
And when friends and family met at the bench there was a newcomer to the group – a two-week old baby named Ryan in memory, by one of Ryan’s closest friends Brad Bunce.
It has been placed near the playing fields where he played as a child and his home in Pemberton Crescent where he lived at the time of his death. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and played football for the local town team The Lamp.
His mother Wendy Lester said: “It is lovely to have a bench in memory of Ryan which has been paid for with the money his many friends and relatives have raised with various activities.
“Ryan was very popular and loved his motorbike and playing for the football team and it is wonderful that his many friends organised all kinds of events including a motorbike ride to Brighton to raise money in his name.”
“It was very touching that there was the little Ryan there and several other friends have included the name Ryan in the naming of their child, but this is the first to actually be called Ryan. It is lovely.”
Councillor Syeda Khatun, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, said: “The council was very happy to provide the site and fix the seat in place to support the family and friends with their desire to make a memorial for Ryan.
“It is very heart-warming to hear of their efforts to raise the money for the bench to be provided in memory of their friend and family member.”
Another memorial event, a fun day, is to be held at the Crown & Anchor public house in West Bromwich on Sunday 26 August from 10.30am onwards.