Tributes to tragic charity campaigner

A “devoted family man” who worked tirelessly raising money for cancer charities following the death of his wife has been killed in a road accident, leaving the couple's three young children orphaned.

Glenn Rossell, 31, was killed on Monday after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a tractor on the A143 between Ixworth and Great Barton in Suffolk.

Mr Rossell, from Brome, near Eye, had battled to adjust to life as a single parent after his wife Amanda died from breast cancer in September 2004, aged 34, leaving three children - twins Maja and Imogen, then aged 18 months, and three-year-old Cameron.

Mr Rossell then set about raising funds in memory of his wife by launching a charity karting event in aid of Cancer Research UK and staging races at centres in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

He spoke to the EDP about the event which he named the Amanda Rossell Memorial Challenge and described how the couple's world “just fell apart” after Mrs Rossell was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after giving birth to the twins.

At the time he said: “Not being able to get around easily was very frustrating for her because it ruined the time she had with the girls. It broke her heart to think she wouldn't be around to see our children grow up.”

News of Mr Rossell's death was still sinking in yesterday for those living in Brome, where he lived with his new partner, who was too upset to speak.

The Rev Rob Axford, rector of Brome and Oakley churches, said: “Glenn was a kind-hearted and generous man who was devoted to his children.

“Following his wife's death he worked tirelessly raising funds for cancer charities. He was a devoted family man.

“The family is very much in the thoughts and prayers of the whole community and will be held very much in our thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks. We will do anything we can to help and support them and I am sure the community will rally round them to offer any help they may need.”

One villager, who did not wish to be named, said: “It's such a tragedy. He was widely known. He was just getting his life back together after losing his wife when this happened. It is a tragedy - especially for the children - who lost their mother first and then their father.”

A second villager, who also did not wish to be named, said he was shocked and stunned when he heard the news. He said: “He was well-known in the village and was well-liked.”

Until recently Mr Rossell worked as a database administrator at Wheatley Associates in Bacton near Stowmarket.

Mike Ward from the company paid tribute to Mr Rossell whom he described as a “hugely respected and popular employee”.

“It was with the deepest regret that the staff of Wheatley Associates learned of this sad news,” he said. “Until recently moving job, Glenn worked at Wheatley Associates in Bacton for nearly 10 years where he made a great many friends. He was a hugely respected and popular employee and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The company would like to express its sincere condolences to Glenn's family and loved ones.”

Last night Nicki Stapleton, area volunteer manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “On behalf of Cancer Research UK, I would like to express how saddened we are to hear about the death of Glenn Rossell. Glenn was a dedicated supporter of the charity following the death of his wife Amanda from breast cancer in 2004. Glenn and his friend Paul Dye, along with the support of their families and friends, organised The Amanda Rossell Memorial Go Karting Challenge in 2005 which raised over £12,000 for

Cancer Research UK. Glenn's determination, kindness, sense of humour and dedication to his family were an inspiration to everyone and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Suffolk police are appealing for any witnesses to contact PC Ian Jepp at the Bury St Edmunds roads policing unit on 01284 774100.