A WIDOWER left to raise three children alone after losing his wife to cancer has spoken of his new lease of life.

Rob Deadman, 35, was heartbroken when his wife, 28-year-old Rachel, lost her three-year battle with cervical cancer in May 2004.

Now he is celebrating the birth of a baby daughter, Bethany, with his new partner Sarah Goody.

Mr Deadman, a security manager, of Fleur de Lys Drive, Southwick, set about raising his three children, Stephanie, 10, Kayleigh, seven and three-year-old Kyle, alone after his wife died. Then early in 2005 he met Miss Goody, a nurse at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, and his life turned a corner.

Mr Deadman said: "It takes a lot to take on somebody else's children but she's an angel and manages really well." He said his three older children love having a baby sister too, and have all been helping out with her.

"Stephanie and Kayleigh both love changing her and when Kyle heard her crying the other day he ran in to give her her Winnie the Pooh. It brought a tear to Sarah's eye."

Bethany was born on February 16, the same day as daughter Stephanie, weighing just under 7lb. Stephanie sent her a card saying: "Thank you for being the best birthday present ever." After his wife's death Mr Deadman started a fund in her memory for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. He has so far managed to raise £12,289, and plans to continue his efforts. The family is now settling into a routine with the new arrival.