A Barrow gentleman of motorsport inspired his friends from the track and even a Formula One legend with his courageous fight against cancer.

Talented racer and engineer Ben Butterfield made his mark on the UK speed hillclimbing scene by holding various records. He was well-liked and respected by those in motorsport.

Mr Butterfield, 39, passed away on August 15 after his 17-month battle with oesophagael cancer. He was the cherished husband of Caroline and adored father to their four daughters.

The motorsport enthusiast had built racing engines from age 13 in Broughton. He featured in Mini World magazine and won sponsorship from Mini Sport. He started racing in Minis and moved onto single seaters.

Great friends Mark McSweeney, of South Lakeland Mini Centre, Barrow, and Leon Bachelier, of Harrogate, who both raced and built cars with Mr Butterfield have paid tribute.

Mr McSweeney said: "Ben was an absolute gentlemen, it was the way he was brought up, his parents are lovely people.

"He also had a damn good sense of humour. He was popular.

"Ben and me worked together for years and years. He was a very skilled driver and mechanic.

"He fought and fought, he was inspirational. And he had inspirational words for me."

Mr McSweeney said Mr Butterfield had held the record for having the fastest Mini on Barbon, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Mr Butterfield had been looking to return to racing.

Mr Bachelier said: "Ben was outgoing and so well like in the paddock.

"He was such a nice person and has a lovely family.

"He was a perfectionist. We had one of the most successful two litre cars on the hills because of Ben's driving. He held records at Dune, Shelsley and Prescott. He made quite an impact.
"He was positive and inspiring."

In the last weeks of his life Mr Butterfield received a remarkable letter from one of his idols, British F1 icon, Sir Stirling Moss.

Mrs Butterfield had written to the legend. She was astonished by the response, which she said lifted her husband and means an "awful lot".

Sir Stirling said he was so sorry to learn of Mr Butterfield's illness and wrote: "Your strength, spirit and bravery in dealing with them are inspirational.

"The support of your girls must be a huge help and encouragement. You are all strong for each other - there can be no medicine better than love. Never give up and never stop hoping. Make every day a special one because every day, good or bad, is special."

Tributes to adored Barrow husband and father, 39, after losing cancer battle