A memorial bench has been placed in memory of a 25 year-old Wednesbury man who died of a rare form of cancer.

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. It was paid for by money raised by his friends and family in a range of fund-raising activities.

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's lovely to have a bench in memory of Ryan. He was very popular and loved his motorbike and playing for the football team and it is wonderful that his friends organised all kinds of events including a motorbike ride to Brighton to raise money in his name."

Councillor Syeda Khatun, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, added: “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 August 26 from 10.30am onwards.