FRIENDS and family, whose lives have all been affected by cancer, are uniting this weekend to try and raise cash to help beat the disease.

A fun day at Hannakins Farm off Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, is being organised primarily in memory of Alan Ovel who died of lung cancer at Christmas, aged 63.

Mr Ovel of Mill Road, Billericay, was a well-known character around the town and worked as a caretaker at South Green Primary School.

His family along with friends, hope to raise funds for Cancer Research through a rounders match, which is open to the public.

One of the organisers Alex Chambers, 33, of Kennel Lane, Billericay, realises the importance of finding a cure. Her dad Tony Chambers, 59, has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is due to start radiotherapy within weeks.

Meanwhile, her father-in-law Bob Fisher, 63, has also been fighting pancreatic cancer for the past year and has undergone an operation at the Royal London Hospital.

Physiotherapist and mum-of-two Alex said: “Alan was a much-loved friend of our family and we are all getting together to enjoy the rounders match and raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research.

Since organising the event, my own dad has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and my father in-law has been fighting pancreatic cancer. I’ve seen what cancer can do.

“Another of our family friends, Errol Soper, 62, is also fighting prostate cancer at the moment.

“They live in Billericay and all knew Alan.“ The rounders game will start at noon. Anyone wanting to take part should get there beforehand and sign up. There will also be a bouncy castle, live music and a barbecue.

Alex added: “It is such a cruel disease, so we are united together to try to do something.”

Entry to play is £10, while it’s £5 entry for spectators. To donate visit www.justgiving/AlexChambersBBQRounders