From everyone at OPA Cancer Charity, a heartfelt thank you to Ash and Andrea Radford, and to everyone involved in the Charity T20 Cricket Match held on Friday 10 July 2026 in memory of Wayne Radford. We are truly grateful that you chose to support our charity. Your generosity, hard work, and dedication will make a real difference to people affected by oesophageal and gastric cancer.
In Memory of Wayne Radford
“We chose to support the OPA Charity in loving memory of my brother, Wayne Radford, who sadly passed away just weeks after being diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC).
Wayne was one of those people who simply filled a room. Larger than life, with an infectious laugh and a heart to match, he had a wonderful sense of humour and a genuine love for people. He was a lifelong Elvis fan and found happiness in the simple things in life – spending time with family, enjoying good company and making memories with those he loved.
Wayne was one of seven siblings – six brothers and one sister – and family was at the centre of everything he did. He adored his wife, Marina, was immensely proud of his daughters, Rachael and Mellissa, and absolutely treasured his four grandsons, Jack, Charlie, Finley and William. He was their biggest supporter, always there with encouragement, a smile and, very often, a joke.
Wayne’s diagnosis came far too late. Looking back, there were symptoms that we now recognise may have been warning signs of OPC, but like so many people, neither Wayne nor those around him realised what they could mean. Within just a few short weeks of receiving his diagnosis, we lost him.
His passing has left an enormous hole in our family, but it has also given us a determination to help others. If sharing Wayne’s story encourages just one person to recognise the signs, seek medical advice sooner, or leads to an earlier diagnosis, then something positive can come from our heartbreak.
To celebrate Wayne’s life, as a family we organised a charity T20 cricket match and family fundraising day in his memory. It was everything Wayne would have loved – sunshine, laughter, friendly competition and people coming together for a good cause. The support from our local community was overwhelming, with so many businesses donating prizes, sponsoring the event and giving their time to help make the day such a success.
Together, we raised an incredible £5,000 for the OPA Charity. We are deeply grateful to every single person who attended, donated, volunteered or supported us in any way. Your kindness has helped turn our grief into something that will make a real difference for other families.
Wayne will always be remembered for his warmth, generosity, humour and the love he had for his family. We hope this fundraiser is just the beginning of raising greater awareness of oropharyngeal cancer, helping others receive an earlier diagnosis and giving more families precious time with the people they love.
Forever loved. Forever missed.” – Ash & Andrea Radford
