MOURNERS packed out a Kidderminster church for the funeral of an inspirational mum who suffered from a major heart condition.

The funeral of Donna Mansell, 26, of Cowper Walk, Kidderminster, took place at St Mary and All Saints Church yesterday.

Mrs Mansell died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Friday, July 2, after suffering a collapse.

She suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy – a weakening of the heart muscle – and was in need of a third heart transplant.

Her 19-year-old brother, James Ridewood, died from heart trouble in 2007 and her seven-year-old daughter, Leonie, has also been diagnosed with the same condition her mother and late uncle shared.

Aaran Mansell, who married Donna in February at the same church, said it was a fitting tribute that summed up “Donna 100 per cent”.

He explained that Donna had already planned her funeral “down to the last letter” including her leopard print coffin.

He added: “Leonie was brilliant. She was obviously upset but she was very brave. It was a sad day but a good send off for Donna with a great turnout and some brilliant tributes.

“It was very emotional but also very fitting. It was Donna 100 per cent. She had planned everything with her mum and me down to the last letter.

“It was everything she had asked for right down to the music and songs.”

Mr Mansell, 30, a quality controller, explained that the Rev Canon Owain Bell performed the service and also read a personal tribute.

This included reading from an e-mail Donna had written to the Canon last year saying that she would only be married by him.

Other tributes were made by Donna’s mum, Tracey Ridewood, Mr Mansell himself, Kylie Ridewood, her younger sister, and her close friend Claire Baker.

Music included Halo by Beyonce, Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Stand by Me by Ben E King.

Donna was buried with her brother at Kidderminster Cemetery. The funeral was followed by a reception at the Cavalier in Tennyson Way in the town.

Mrs Mansell had been featured many times in The Shuttle.

She had worked as a support worker for people with learning difficulties and brain injuries between her bouts of illness.

She also became a figurehead for the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) fund-raising drives in the region.