THE fiancee of a Loughton motorcyclist who died when his bike collided with an overtaking car just yards from his home has spoken movingly about her loss.

Paul Capetanakis, 28, of Loughton High Road, had been going out with Cecilia Jardim for seven-and-a-half years before his death at the junction of Manor Road and Avenue Gate on July 23.

The couple moved to Loughton from their native South Africa at the start of 2007 and had been engaged since December last year.

Cecilia is now planning to move back to South Africa after their life together here came to an end.

She said: “I am packing up my memories of the man who treated me like a princess and spoilt me, who could never say no to me. He is the love of my life, my soulmate and best friend.

“This is the end of our travels, the end of our wedding plans and plans of starting our own family. I go home to no future because he was taken away from me too soon and so suddenly on July 23.

“I had known Paul for many years. We both came from Knysna and lived in the same street. It was only after he became friends with my brother that I got to know him really well, and before long we were inseparable.

“We loved to travel and If we were not abroad we spent our weekends with friends and family. We loved entertaining and would often invite them to our home in Loughton for a Braai (a South African barbecue).

“Paul was an easy man to love and he was adored by everyone who knew him. He was a gentle soul, quick to help anyone who needed it, generous, patient, kind and loving. He was a true gentleman.”

A 24-year-old man from Woodford Green has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and has been released on police bail until September 23.

Anyone with information on the crash which took place at 10.35pm on Thursday, July 23, should call the Chigwell Road policing unit on 0300 333 4444.