Family pays tribute to woman in fatal collison

The family of a Kenyan woman who was killed in a road crash in Basildon has pair tribute to her.

Martha Gakonde died when the beige Yaris she was driving was in collision with a fire engine on Broadmayne just before 9am on Friday, September 9, 2011.

Martha, 39, from Wythefield in Basildon was certified dead at the scene.

Born and brought up in Kenya, Martha came over to settle in the UK from 1996.

She first met her husband, John, at primary school in the village of Ngarariga. Their three children, Nathan, Peter and Kathy were all born in the UK.

Martha gained qualifications in secretarial and administrative duties and then became a trainer. For several years she served as a community support worker in Tower Hamlets, caring for adults in the community with mental health issues.

She was about to begin training as a mental health nurse when the fatal crash happened.

In a statement, Martha’s family said: "Generous and caring person that she was, she was drawn towards working with people suffering from mental illness.

"To her husband she was the love of his life and best friend. She was also a devoted mother. She loved, for example, organising family trips based on a theme, related to some child's particular interest. However, not only was she dedicated to supporting her own children to fulfill their potential in whatever they engaged in, she was also a 'mother' to many others, ever willing to support those in need with practical support and wise counsel. Her premature demise has left a huge void.”

Any witnesses to the crash are urged to contact investigating officers at Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0300 333 4444.