THE memory of two friends who suffered with cancer was the main drive for two West Devon men to tackle wind, rough terrain and freezing temperatures to reach the summit of the highest mountain in Western Europe last week. Richard Staniland 'Stan', 59, from Horndon, and friend and work colleague Tim Lowe, 29, completed the challenging climb to the top of Mont Blanc, raising thousands of pounds for Myeloma UK after a close friend of Stan's, Ken Bastin, died from the disease in March at 54-years-old. A few days before they were set to climb the mountain, another great friend of Stan and Tim's, Roger Littlejohns from Peter Tavy, who had also been suffering with cancer for several years, unfortunately died at only 48. They both knew Roger wanted them to complete the climb. The duo, along with an experienced guide, faced gale-force winds, minus temperatures and high altitudes but managed to reach the top undeterred by seeing many other teams turn back. Stan said: 'It was very difficult, but we were determined. The guide knew this and went the extra mile for us. 'I was planning to do the climb as something to do before I turned 60, but sadly during the planning stages, Ken died after several bone marrow transplants in March. I spoke to Ken's long-term girlfriend Tracie and decided then to do it to raise money for Myeloma UK. 'During the same period we also lost our great friend Roger, who died a few days before we left. We were now doing the climb in memory of two great friends and there was no way we were going to give up.' The team's determination was commended by their mountain guide Stuart Macdonald: 'The ascent of Mont Blanc is not to be taken lightly, with at least ten people per year killed on the mountain. At 4810m above sea level most people struggle to breathe properly and a slip on its icy slopes can result in a deadly slide over the edge. 'Many teams were turning round but Stan and Tim were determined to reach the summit. They had missed Roger's funeral to make the climb and they were not about to give up. 'The wind was screaming and the cold pierced through every layer we were wearing. I can honestly say that in over 30 successful summits of Mont Blanc it was the coldest conditions I have ever experienced. 'It was an emotional team who stood together on the summit, bonded by adversity and challenge. Stan and Tim shed tears for their lost friends and I must confess to a lump in my throat. Raising money for Myeloma UK had become symbolic of their love for Ken and Roger and I hope more people continue to donate when they read what Stan and Tim went through to support this very worthwhile charity.' The team's original fundraising target of £400 has been well and truly surpassed, with nearly £2,000 raised on their Just Giving site. Donations are still being accepted. Anyone who would like to support Stan and Tim can do so at http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Staniland">www.justgiving.com/Richard-Staniland Stan and Tim expressed thanks to their sponsor James Mcdowall from Kountry Kit for the clothing and equipment. They expressed special thanks to mountain guide Stuart and want to encourage anyone who is thinking about taking on Mont Blanc to bear him in mind. Thanks were also given to everyone who supported them and donated.