Mum’s heroic last act

Mum-of-two Donna George suddenly fell ill while driving the girls home from a meal out on a steep hill near Huddersfield last Wednesday.

The 48-year-old, who went to Earlsheaton High School, pulled to the side of the road before collapsing behind the wheel and the youngsters rallied to help.

Donna, who ran a dance school in Shelley, was rushed to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary but died the next day.

Her devastated husband Ken, who appeared on TV’s Gladiators, said: “Donna’s motherly instincts must have taken over and she managed to steer into the kerb.

“The doctors said they think she had the haemorrhage while she was driving and it’s incredible that she managed to pull over.”

One 17-year-old performed CPR and one aged 14 flagged down a passing motorist to raise the alarm.

“I think their actions came from the confidence she gave them.

“Her teaching was not just about dancing. It was about nurturing young people,” Ken, 51, added.

Lucie Raine, of Dewsbury Dance Centre, knew Donna well from local dance competitions and worked for her for two years. Donna was taught dancing by Lucie’s mum as a child.

Lucie said: “One thing about her was her energy, which makes it unbelievable that she’s not with us.

“She was full of enthusiasm and always had time to give professional advice. She was very influential, a inspirational woman.”

Ken, from Shepley, added: “She was a caring person who lived life to the full and she wanted everyone to reach their full potential.

“It was her passion and so many people have told us since her death that she shaped their personalities.

“It has been an incredibly difficult time for us as a family but that gives us great comfort.”