A FAMILY last night paid tribute to a 33-year-old father of two young children who died just five weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.Steven Poulson, of Pinecroft Way, Needham Market, was married to his sweetheart Emma, whom he had known since she was just 17, and the couple had two sons, Harry, four, and Charlie, three.

By John Howard

A FAMILY last night paid tribute to a 33-year-old father of two young children who died just five weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Steven Poulson, of Pinecroft Way, Needham Market, was married to his sweetheart Emma, whom he had known since she was just 17, and the couple had two sons, Harry, four, and Charlie, three.

Mr Poulson was only diagnosed with cancer on March 26 this year and he died at Ipswich Hospital on May 4.

Mrs Poulson, 31, a full-time mother, said: “Steve was not only my husband, he was my best friend - loyal, caring, good-tempered and the biggest hearted person I have ever met.

“I am honoured to think that such a person chose me to be his wife. In my eyes Steve represented the true meaning of unconditional love and the real meaning of the word 'husband'.

“I will always remember him for the way he could change a serious moment into a time of laughter.

“Steve faced his illness like he would do any new challenge, with courage and determination. Steve's memory will always live on in all our hearts, but never more so than in our two wonderful sons, Harry and Charlie.”

Mr Poulson's mother Maureen Poulson, 57, of Sproughton, near Ipswich, said she wanted to thank all the medical staff and those who have helped the family though such a difficult time.

She said it still felt like a dream, and she simply cannot believe she has lost her son so tragically young.

Mr Poulson was born at Claydon and raised in Needham Market, attending the town's primary and middle schools, before going on to study at Stowmarket High School.

He left high school aged 16 and trained to be a mechanic and had gone on to work as a commercial technician for a Felixstowe HGV company.

Mr Poulson was passionate about motorcycles and had taken part in many motorbike events, winning a number of trophies.

He had also been a keen snooker player, footballer, and was passionate about golf.

He was also known for his huge sense of humour, and was always smiling and making people laugh.

Mr Poulson's funeral service was held last week at Ipswich Crematorium and was attended by so many people that not everyone could fit in the building.

The family hope that anyone who would like to make a donation in Mr Poulson's memory would send cheques payable to the Somersham Ward Support Group to Meredith Greengrass Funeral Service, 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1AF.