AN ANIMAL lover knocked down and killed last week while walking her pet dog is to be remembered for her dedication to caring for strays through donations raised for charity.

Seema Khunti, 24, of Staines Road, Hounslow, was crossing the road outside her home on Wednesday May 12 to show her new puppy to a university friend when she was struck by an Audi A3. She was thrown into a lamppost, banging her head and causing massive haemorrhaging. An ambulance, two fast response cars and a doctor were called to the incident, arriving within six minutes, but were unable to save her. The driver stopped and has been assisting police with their investigation.

Seema, had been particularly proud of her new pet, which survived the accident with minor concussion, and had constantly striven to help animals. A former Heathlands School pupil, she often visited Goa and had become involved in helping stray dogs and their puppies. At one point she travelled for 40 minutes to find the nearest vet to assist her in her quest. She also supported the Animal tracks rescue facilities in Mapusa, Goa, which has been operating for six years with three vets working from a kitchen table in a bungalow.

Seema, who her family described as big hearted,' had completed a degree and a masters in Business Studies. She had recently started a new job at a black cab firm in Harrow, where her bosses praised her for her quick reactions that saved an elderly woman's life. After receiving a phone call from the lady, who had fallen from her wheel chair and become disorientated, Seema had been able to trace the call and alert the emergency services.

Floral tributes line the road where the accident took place and the family are asking that further tributes should be made as charity donations instead, either to the Animal Tracks rescue facility (reg. Charity no 802131), or through the sponsoring of a kennel at Battersea Dog's Home.

The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) at Hanworth Crematorium.