A WOMAN who campaigned to make a waterway safe after her fiancé drowned has been honoured at 10 Downing Street.

Hema Shah, aged 37, was a guest of Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin at a reception to honour local community activists.

The event was hosted by deputy leader of the Labour Party Harriet Harman.

Hema’s fiancé, Leigh Pitt, from Anson Place, Thamesmead, drowned last year whilst saving the life of a child in a disused lock.

Mr Austin praised Ms Shah for lobbying to make the area safer.

He said: “This was a great tragedy for Hema, but she was determined to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

“She also persuaded Gallions Housing to run a water safety campaign for children in local schools and her campaign for more improvements goes on. She has shown great community spirit which deserves recognition.”

Leigh was honoured posthumously in December by the Carnegie Trust for his bravery.