THREE children whose mother died of cancer three years ago are orphans today after their father was killed in a motorbike crash.Villagers spoke of their shock at the death of popular family man Glenn Rossell, of The Street in Brome, near Eye, whose motorbike collided with a tractor just outside Great Barton, near Bury St Edmunds, on Monday morning.

THREE children whose mother died of cancer three years ago are orphans today after their father was killed in a motorbike crash.

Villagers spoke of their shock at the death of popular family man Glenn Rossell, of The Street in Brome, near Eye, whose motorbike collided with a tractor just outside Great Barton, near Bury St Edmunds, on Monday morning.

Since the death of his wife Amanda from breast cancer, 31-year-old Mr Rossell set about raising their three young children - Cameron, Maja and Imogen - on his own.

Mr Rossell was also a devoted fundraiser for Cancer Research UK.

Rev Rob Axford, rector at Brome and Oakley churches, said: “There is a real sense of shock in the community. 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 and the family itself is very close-knit.

“The family has been here for so long and is well known locally. My wife knew the family better. She had baptised the twins and did the funeral service for Amanda.

“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 the family 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: “He was just getting his life back together after losing his wife when this happened. It is a tragedy - especially for the children.”