KIND-hearted colleagues have been raising money for the family of a colleague who passed away.

The fundraising has helped the family go on holiday.

Kevin Ware died from leukaemia in 2014 aged 34, leaving wife Katrina and two sons, Harry then aged eight and George, five.

His colleagues at DWP Housing Partnership have organised several charity football matches and each month hold a ‘mufti’ day to raise money.

These funds helped Katrina and the boys go to Florida where they visited Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

Dave Phillips, a colleague of Kevin and an old school friend, said: “Kevin was a gas engineer with us for four years and was a very popular colleague.

“We were at school together in the same year and when he died it affected everybody.

“We’ve held various fundraising football matches and on the last Friday of each month we hold a mufti day.

“Staff pay £2 to wear what they want and the money goes to Katrina.”

Katrina, who works in lettings and lives in Christchurch, said: “Considering it’s been two years and DWP are still raising money it’s amazing.

“It makes us proud that the boys’ daddy was so special.

"We had a wonderful time in Florida and we’re so grateful.”

Harry, now almost ten, said the best thing about the holiday was meeting Homer Simpson and George, nearly seven, said high-fiving a stingray was his highlight.