The funeral of the Donna Stepney and her unborn child will be held on Monday, December 17 writes Angeline Albert.

Donna, who worked at Warehouse City, Croydon, was six months pregnant when she died in Roman Way on November 29 when her car collided with a Croydon fire engine which was answering an emergency call.

Donna's father, Terry Stepney, describing the last time he saw her, said: "We had a hug and a cuddle like we always do and I told her I loved her.

"We've always been a strong family and that has helped us. I feel fortunate that I was able to work beside her for 10 years."

On the morning she died, Donna, who lived in Beckenham, was driving to the family shop in Church Street, after a busy morning decorating the nursery.

Mr Stepney said: "I feel no anger or ill will against the firemen or the fire services.

"I feel for the driver of the engine. I can't imagine what he's going through.

"It may seem strange but I hope I'll be able to meet him one day."

Donna's fianc Gary Truelove, 40, said: "I just fell in love with her the first time I saw her.

"I last saw her at home, an hour before she died."

"The night before this happened we were just sitting at home feeling the baby and we could feel the baby kicking.

"Donna and I didn't want to know the sex of the baby.

"It was going to be a surprise but now I want to bury my baby with a name."

The funeral of Donna Stepney and her daughter Katie Elizabeth Ellen Truelove will take place at South London Crematorium, Rowan Road, Streatham at 1pm.

Mr Truelove added: "I'm going to put her ashes into a nice pot and plant a special tree in it."

Police and London Fire Brigade are still investigating the incident.

December 11, 2001 14:30