NEIGHBOURS of the family of mum-to-be Sophie Williams, who died after a Valentine’s Day car crash on the A465, are supporting them as they prepare for her funeral.

The death of Miss Williams, 20, and her unborn baby Kayleigh in a car crash has touched so many people that payment for part of her funeral has been refused.

Funeral director Julian Tapping, a neighbour of Miss Williams’ mother Maria Williams in Clydach, said the news was “heartbreaking” and he wouldn’t accept his usual fee of £3,500.

Ministers from St George’s Church in Tredegar Parish have also insisted they give the service free of charge.

Maria Williams said: “I think it has just touched everybody in a big way and everybody is offering to help. A lot of people are offering things for free. Julian is my neighbour and he has said whatever he can do to help, he will. The community has really got together. We appreciate the help and support.”

Miss Williams’ funeral will take place on February 28 with prayers at the family home in Clydach North led by Reverend Linda Price before a service at St George’s Church in Tredegar and the committal of Sophie and Kayleigh at the Gwent Crematorium in Cwmbran.

Mr Tapping will provide a limousine hearse and solid oak casket for Miss Williams and baby Kayleigh.

He said: “Like I said to Maria, they have been neighbours of mine for a long time. It’s just heartbreaking what has happened. I knew Sophie and she was a lovely girl: honest, kind and generous. I’m pleased we can do this for her. Any generosity just reflects who she was as well.”

At a hearing at Gwent Coroners’ Court yesterday, the inquest into Miss Williams’ death was opened and adjourned for three months by Gwent Coroner David Bowen pending an on-going police investigation.

The inquest opening heard emergency services were called at 11.06pm on February 14 to reports of a head-on collision on the A465 Heads of the Valleys road between Brynmawr and Ebbw Vale.

Miss Williams and fiancé Ben Morgan were driving home after celebrating Valentine’s Day when the crash happened. It involved a Peugeot 207 and a silver Peugeot 307. Miss Williams, who was in the front passenger seat of the Peugeot 307 and was eight months pregnant, sustained serious injuries and died the next day in hospital.

The male driver of the Peugeot 207, who is from the Basingstoke area, and Mr Morgan, who was driving the Peugeot 307 were uninjured but suffered from shock.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident. Witnesses can call 101 quoting log 544 14/02/14.

Mr Bowen said: “This is a very, very tragic case.”

He released Ms Williams’ body to her family for funeral purposes.