TSUNAMI survivor Denise Magson has spoken for the first time about how she is rebuilding her life after losing her husband, Steve, in the deadly waves that engulfed their Thai holiday paradise.

The York couple and their daughter India, 12, were enjoying a happy Christmas break on idyllic Ko Phi Phi island when the tragedy struck.

While Denise and India were miraculously swept to safety in a kayak, Steve, who was watching them from the beach, has never been found.

Now family and friends from around the world will gather tomorrow to celebrate Steve's life with a memorial service at York Minster, where he trained as a stonemason in his teens.

Denise told the Evening Press: "The way that he died was terrible, but I feel so lucky that India and I are still here, and know that he would have been glad about that.

"Obviously it is very difficult because Steve's body has not been found in Thailand so far and the forensic process might take some time. We thought it was helpful to have a communal gathering to celebrate Steve. It is going to be a time for people to grieve.

"For me, Steve is in Thailand and will remain there, unless his body is repatriated. But I am really looking forward to the service, to be with all our friends and family. Whenever we went into the Minster, Steve would point out what he had made and we can feel close to him there."

The service will also mark the official launch of the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust, which Denise has set up to fund a tsunami-related project in Ko Phi Phi.

Denise is searching for a project to fund with the help of Dulwich International College in Phuket, which offered her refuge in the aftermath of the disaster.

She is in constant email contact with a number of college staff and is planning a trip back to the area later this year with her sister, Gill, who flew out to Thailand with her partner, Tim, to help Denise search for Steve.

More than £2,000 has already been raised thanks to an event organised by Rab Cullen Dent, a friend of India, donations from Manor School and Robert Wilkinson Primary School, and one from the British Association of Removers, of which Steve was a member.

There are also a number of fundraising events planned, including a sponsored walk at Malham Tarn in the Dales, a favourite spot of Steve's, on May 2, and a barn dance at Stillington Sports and Social Club on August 6, two days after Steve's birthday.

"You just do what everybody else does and get on with it," Denise said. "I am quite a strong person. I'm doing what Steve would have done. He would be devastated like I am. But life has to be normal."

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, March 17, 2005