TWO local men are to climb the highest mountain in western Europe next week in memory of a friend who died. Richard Staniland from Horndon and Tim Lowe from Milton Abbot are tackling the six day challenge to climb Mont Blanc this Sunday (September 7), and will be raising funds for Myeloma UK. Richard, who also wanted to set himself a target before he turned 60 this year, will climb 15,781ft with Tim, 28, plus an experienced guide, aiming to complete the trek by September 12. Richard, who hopes to fly the Devon flag on top of the summit, said: 'We wanted a challenge and to do something in memory of my friend Ken Bastin, who died in March, and who was a snowboarder and a keen mountain man!' Richard added: 'At one stage or another cancer affects us or those we care about. We wanted to do something in memory of those lost and still fighting — this is our way of giving a little something back. Any donation however big or small will be appreciated.' To donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Staniland">www.justgiving.com/Richard-Staniland l Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer arising from plasma cells, a type of white blood cell which is made in the bone marrow.  Unlike many cancers, myeloma does not exist as a lump or tumour. Myeloma is a relapsing-remitting cancer, which means there are periods when the myeloma is causing symptoms and/or complications and needs to be treated, followed by periods of remission or plateau where the myeloma does not cause symptoms and does not require treatment. The mission of Myeloma UK is to provide information and support to people affected by myeloma and to improve standards of treatment and care through research, education, campaigning and raising awareness.