THE father of missing Trowbridge man Ben Garland, who was swept out to sea in Ibiza, has tragically discovered that his eldest daughter has terminal cancer.

Mark Garland's eldest child, Charlotte Garland, 37, has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and is receiving treatment.

The father-of-four is still mourning the loss of his son, Ben, whose body has still not been found by Spanish police since he went missing in Ibiza six months ago.

Mr Garland, 55, of Frome Road, Trowbridge, said: “The whole family is absolutely devastated. Charlotte was diagnosed with breast cancer and it has sadly spread.

“It has gone into her lymph nodes, her pelvis and into her spine. She has been told that it is incurable.

"She is now terminal and receiving radiotherapy treatment at Northwick Park Hospital in London and is unable to return to Wiltshire.

“She came to live in Trowbridge but then went back to Harrow after being diagnosed at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, as most of her family are in London."

Charlotte is the eldest of Mr Garland's four children. He also has another daughter Leanne, 34, and a younger son, Jake, 23.

His elder son, Ben, who would have been 25 on Friday (July 24), has been missing after being swept away while video filming waves after Storm Gloria in Ibiza on January 21.

While Ben's jacket, identification papers and wristwatch have been found, Spanish police and coastguard authorities have been unable to find his body.

Mr Garland is flying out to Ibiza on Wednesday with family and friends to mark what would have been Ben's 25th birthday.

Mr Garland added: "It's been an horrendous year. My father Billy has been diagnosed with throat cancer and my sister Angela has just had a hysterectomy.

"But Charlotte is being so brave and so strong. My mum Ann had breast cancer 20 years ago and recovered but sadly Charlotte's has spread."

Miss Garland's friend Leah Sweeney has now launched a GoFundMe appeal to support her family of five children during her illness.

To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/charlotte-garton.

So far, more than 50 supporters have raised £759 towards the £5,000 target.