People across the entire local sporting community were deeply saddened by the untimely death of Ben Doyle last month, at the age of 28.

Ben was one of three sporting sons of Steve and Mary Doyle who, together with his brothers Conor and Sean, participated in a number of disciplines at various levels.

He was involved in a variety of sports including swimming, basketball and football.

Ben was a competent swimmer from a very young age, starting with Douglas Amateur Swimming Club before moving into the Isle of Man Swimming Association’s island squad.

Competing in numerous competitions, he particularly loved the yearly inter-club championships between Douglas SC and Wirral Amateur Swimming Club.

He also competed for Aer Lingus Swimming Club at the Irish national qualifiers in Limerick.

He continued to swim and work as a lifeguard at the National Sports Centre whilst studying at school and at university. Into adulthood, Ben competed in an open water swim at Salford Quays, Manchester and travelled extensively with fellow students to play water polo for Northumbria University during his time there.

Over the years he underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, followed by stem cell and donor transplants.

He helped to raise awareness for stem cell transplant donors by participating in a charity swim over 19 hours for the Anthony Nolan charity with his family and friends in order to raise funds for the charity that helped give him some extra years of life.

Press officer Martin Dunne gave a fitting tribute on behalf of Isle of Man Basketball Association: ’Ben brought an enthusiasm and energy that was hard to beat. Starting out for QEII in the schools’ league alongside his brothers, Ben was instrumental in helping the team to the schools’ finals.

’Taking the skills he learned at school level, Ben then made a transition to the senior men’s league, debuting for Giants before transferring to Marvels for the 2012-2013 season.

’Many players take a more casual approach to the game when they move into the senior league, but Ben continued to improve, working hard during training to gain the respect of his new team-mates.

’Quick down the court in games, he used his athleticism to outpace others, dealing damage with plenty of fast break lay-ups while playing an aggressive style of defence to deny opponents on the return.

’Tough defence and a quick style of play can sometimes build frustrations in such a close-quarters sport, but Ben was known through the league for being cool, calm, collected and with a wry smile.

’A good player, natural athlete and an all-round great guy, Ben will be sadly missed by former team-mates and opponents alike.’

Ben joined Governor’s Athletic Football Club from its inauguration in 2014.

Club chairman, Karl Hunter, said from day one he was a huge hit.

’He banged goals in for fun, a natural. But more importantly Ben was a great guy, and was liked by everyone, you only saw him with a smile on his face. Always happy to take time to talk to anyone and encourage them.

’Testament to Ben was that when he joined a lot of other players wanted to join because of him.

’Out of that group of players we had the core of our club which still remains.

’I suppose really we were all in awe of Ben, a good footballer, good looking, super fit but most importantly he was a good man.

’His positive attitude and bravery throughout speaks volumes of the man he was.

’He will be missed by all of us Gov’s...

’Our thoughts are with his family.’

Mary Doyle, Ben’s mother, was with him when he passed away at Royal Liverpool University Hospital on April 22.

’Ben was naturally a fairly quiet lad with a mischievous fun sense of humour,’ she said. ’He touched so many lives.

’Definitely, over the last few years, he had a warrior mentality. We will miss him terribly.’