AN APPEAL has been launched to give a “hero’s farewell” to a mother who died saving her daughter in a collision.

Lauren Heath’s family have praised her final actions after her baby Millie survived the tragic crash in Basingstoke Road last Wednesday.

The 20-year-old was crossing the street with the young girl in a pram when they were involved in a collision with an HGV.

A fundraising page has seen more than £20,000 raised in honour of the “doting mother” and there are calls on social media for a community send off.

A group set up on Facebook with more than 2,000 members is asking residents to show their support for the Heath family and commemorate Lauren’s final actions.

On the page, set up with the family’s permission, it reads: “I wanted to arrange for the whole community to come together and show the family how her story has touched us all and so we would like to bid farewell by lining the streets when she makes her journey to her resting place.

“Please spare a few minutes to bid farewell to a brave mummy.

“Let’s give her a heroes farewell.”

Reading Chronicle:

The scene of the crash has become a temporary memorial with the Buckland Road sign covered in flowers, toys and cards carrying words of sympathy and tribute.

In a statement Lauren’s mother said: “Our daughter was such an amazing girl and the best mummy to Millie. She was her world and we are proud that at the last time in her life she saved her baby girl.”

On Monday Lauren’s family came together to mark the first birthday of her daughter just days after she lost her life.

Lauren’s uncle Mark Heath told the Chronicle how she was known and loved as a “doting mother” and had been planning the next stage of her life with fiancé Kenny Hensley when the crash happened.

He said: “They were in the process of finding a place together, that was there next step.”

Mark, of Twyford, also said the family had been overwhelmed with the messages and donations being sent in by friends, relatives and strangers who offered support after hearing about the tragedy.

He added: “We cannot believe the generosity of people out there, it’s been unbelievable.

“The family do not have a lot of money so this will definitely help with the funeral.”

Friend Natasha Turner, who founded the Go Fund Me page, said in an update that any money left after the final send off would be put in a trust to help Millie.

She wrote: “She was a doting mum to Millie and showed how much she loved her by sacrificing herself for Millie’s safety.

“The funds are going to be split, for funeral arrangements and a trust fund for Millie. The money will be used for funeral expenses and towards a future for Millie. Thank you again for all your support.”