Donna was born in Nottingham, first born child to Paul and Christine Horsley. Donna had a younger sister, Kelly and a younger brother, Jason. Donna’s first few years were spent living in Langley Mill. They moved to Loscoe when Donna was 8. Donna, from a young age had always shown her caring side, reading books to her siblings she was a big advocate for book reading and always encouraged it throughout her adult years.

Donna would always take people under her wing, she always seen the good in people and often used to put herself forward and stand up for others.

Donna attended, Church View infants, Loscoe Denby Lane, and Heanor Gate. Her favourite subjects at school was science and French, she was also in the school Netball team playing the centre position. At 13 Donna was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes after having multiple seizures, she took this head strong and never let it hold her back. After school Donna got a job at Crest of the Wave in Heanor where she met her husband to be Justin Morris. Donna also made a lot of life long friends during her career.

In 1997 Donna and Justin had a daughter called Delenn and moved to Heanor with dog Delta. When Donna returned to work after maternity she went back part time and used her spare time to study towards her Nursing.

In 2002 Donna and Justin welcomed their second daughter Elise. After maternity, Donna decided she wanted to go to university to study Children’s Nursing. Donna was accepted at Nottingham University, the school of nursing. Alongside being a Mum, studying, being a brilliant friend, Donna worked evenings doing youth work in the community.

Donna was diagnosed with a brain tumour whilst studying, she carried on her studies and graduated as a Children’s Nurse. Donna got a job at Royal Derby as a Neonatal Nurse. Over the next few years Donna underwent major brain surgery 3 times, she also had radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Between operations and chemotherapy Donna still carried on her life, going to work, making memories with her family and socialising. In 2009 Donna got married to the love of her life in Cyprus, it was a small but perfect wedding surrounded by some of her nearest and dearest.

In 2012 Donna became an auntie to Olly, she loved him like her own, and especially, of course, loved reading books to him. Till the very end, even when she was told her cancer was terminal Donna never changed. Always had the fight in her to keep going, her humour (sometimes dark) always shone through.

Donna passed away on 2nd April 2014 at Royal Derby surrounded by her husband and parents.