A YOUNG York mother today revealed how she was given something to live for on the day she said a final farewell to her murdered brother.

Becca Wall, 25, of Bramham Road, Chapelfields, told for the first time how she gave birth to Keeleigh Marie only hours after attending the funeral of her brother, Daniel Wall.

She revealed how she suffered painful contractions throughout the service, but was determined to pay her last respects.

Daniel's mother, Rosie, who said he would have celebrated his 28th birthday tomorrow, said it was "destiny" that Keeleigh was born on that day as it gave them "something to go on for".

Today Becca recalled: "I was in agony at the funeral, but I had to be there because I wouldn't believe Danny had gone until I could see his coffin. We were very close."

Becca went into labour two weeks earlier than expected while preparing food for the wake at her mother's house. She was taken to York Hospital but, despite having painful contractions, she persuaded midwives to let her get a taxi to Daniel's funeral service at York Crematorium.

She then went back to York Hospital and gave birth to Keeleigh four hours later, with Rosie at her bedside. The baby weighed 6lb 2oz when it was born at 8.30pm.

"One of the nurses summed it up by describing it as a bittersweet day," said Rosie, who is chair of Chapelfields Residents Association and has another daughter, Nicola.

"It was as if Danny wanted us to share that day with Keeleigh to make us feel better.

"Things won't really get any easier until after a trial. It feels like we are stuck in a time warp."

In a touching poem about Daniel to Keeleigh, written by Rosie, she says: "Although he is not here today, He loves you very much, He wanted to see your little face, And your little hands to touch. We'll always talk about him, As often as we can, We want you to remember, Your special Uncle Dan."

The body of Daniel, also from Chapelfields, was found with that of Kevin Mulgrew, 38, in a first floor council-owned flat in Gillygate, York.

More than 20 detectives were assigned to the murder inquiry - which has so far cost more than £437,000 - but the Evening Press understands that this number has now been reduced as the police wind down their investigation.

It was revealed today that York police officers may have to wait up to another three months before they can interview double murder suspect John Paul Marshall. He is being held by police in Amsterdam, in The Netherlands, and appealing against his extradition.

Updated: 10:44 Wednesday, March 24, 2004