A widower has been left heartbroken after his late wife’s wedding and engagement rings were stolen in a home break-in.

Craig Easterbrook, 41, had been hoping to one day give the rings to their children as a legacy to their mother.

His wife, Gemma, was only 43 when she lost a five-year brain cancer battle in November 2023.

Mr Easterbrook left the wedding and engagement rings in the care of his sister-in-law Amy, but the jewellery was stolen when her home in the Unthank Road area was broken into on Thursday night.

Eastern Daily Press: The Easterbrook family before Gemma's diagnosisThe Easterbrook family before Gemma's diagnosis (Image: Phil Barnes Photography)

"We were very proud of our rings," Mr Easterbrook said. "They weren't expensive but they meant a lot."

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He felt it was important to save the rings for their children Florence, 11, and Arthur, 9, to ensure they had something close to her heart.

He explained: "Gemma was pretty universally loved - she was the most positive and happy person.

Eastern Daily Press: Gemma with her sister, Amy KingswellGemma with her sister, Amy Kingswell (Image: Amy Kingswell)

"She had three brain surgeries at Addenbrookes in the last five years and every time I went to see her she was the one cheering up the other patients and making sure everyone was okay.

"I think that's why this feels like a double punch in the face."

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He added the theft had been difficult to come to terms with, especially when the family's grief is so fresh.

"Gemma would be the one to stay calm if she were here," Mr Easterbrook said.

Eastern Daily Press: The rings are distinguishable by their unusually small diameterThe rings are distinguishable by their unusually small diameter (Image: Craig Easterbrook)

Eastern Daily Press: They were purchased from Aurum in Norwich in 2008They were purchased from Aurum in Norwich in 2008 (Image: Craig Easterbrook)

The family is now appealing for anyone who knows where the rings are to report the information to police.

The rings, originally purchased from Aurum in Norwich in 2008, are distinctive for their unusually small diameter which makes them easily identifiable. 

They include a male's white gold wedding band and two female white gold wedding bands.

One of the female rings is set with a single diamond, and the other with three small diamonds.