The family of an Ipswich Hospital worker who “always supported the underdog” are raising money for Syrian refugees in his memory.

Ipswich Star: Steve Rose at work in the pathology lab at Ipswich Hospital.Steve Rose at work in the pathology lab at Ipswich Hospital. (Image: Archant)

Steve Rose, of Deben Valley Drive, Ipswich, died in February just eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The father-of-three had worked in the pathology department of Ipswich Hospital for 37 years, first as a biomedical scientist and more recently as an IT support manager for the lab.

His wife of 27 years, Ali Rose, has asked for people to donate money to Suffolk Refugee Support instead of giving flowers or gifts. The appeal has so far brought in more than £1,200.

Mrs Rose said: “Steve was always in support of the underdog.

Ipswich Star: Steve Rose, who died just eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.Steve Rose, who died just eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. (Image: Archant)

“This latest crisis in Syria did strike him, we had applied to have a refugee here as we have a spare bedroom.

“He didn’t like to give to the big charities, he would much rather put his hand in his pocket and give to a homeless person or buy a Big Issue, which he often did.

“We didn’t want lots of flowers that would have gone to waste, so it seemed natural to choose a local charity. Hopefully the money will help some families who are resettled in Suffolk.”

Mr Rose, who attended Northgate Grammar School, was studying for a master’s degree in network security to further his career, but he became too ill to complete it.

Anglia Ruskin University has awarded Mr Rose with the qualification posthumously to mark his hard work and dedication.

Mr Rose, whose children are Jim, 24, April, 22, and Joe, 20, died just a few days before his 55th birthday.

Describing her husband, Mrs Rose, 52, said: “He was very determined, very intelligent and knowledgeable and always stuck his ground if he had an opinion on something. He was quiet in some ways, but he knew how to let his hair down, which was grey since he was about 30.”

The family’s fundraising page will stay open until June, to donate visit: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alirose1