The wife and daughter of an inventor have spoken of their grief after his tragic death at the age of 53.

Sam Tate, co-founder of FireAngel - a smoke alarm system which requires no batteries, died in Brighton last month after suffering two bleeds on the brain.

Despite efforts by medical staff for five weeks, Sam died on November 18.

His wife of 27 years, Jo, said: “We, as a family, want to thank the wonderful staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital ICU who battled so hard for Sam for five weeks.

“We affectionately nicknamed them the ‘ninja nurses’ because of their energy, kindness and dedication and we will forever be grateful.”

The couple met while at university in Coventry, with Jo saying it was “love at first sight”.

Jo said: “He was a wonderful man. I will miss my dear husband forever.”

The Argus: Inventor Sam Tate died aged 53 after suffering two bleeds on the brainInventor Sam Tate died aged 53 after suffering two bleeds on the brain (Image: Sam Tate)

Sam, who was born in York, is survived by his wife, daughters Jade and Trinity, and sons Raphael and Luca.

Jade, who lives and studies in Brighton, said: “We had many adventures together, he wasn’t just my dad, he was my best friend.

“He was a force of nature, I can’t describe how heartbroken we all are.

“He meant so much to so many people and that’s why I am proud to call him my dad.”

Sam worked alongside his close friend Nick Rutter to create FireAngel, which later secured £1 million in funding through an EU Incentive Scheme.

Since 1998, the company has deployed 75 million products, protecting over 15 million homes.

Sam will be laid to rest in a funeral ceremony later today.