By Melissa Jackson BBC News Online health staff

Diana and Peter in happier times

Diana Scott knew her fifth IVF attempt would be her last chance because she was using the last of her husband's sperm, frozen and stored before his death.

The 44-year-old businesswoman defied the 5% odds of pregnancy success.

She is due to give birth in October to a baby girl, whose name is a secret kept between her and her two dogs.

Diana and her husband Peter, 56, had been trying for a child before he was diagnosed with lung cancer just under three years ago.

Doctors advised him to store some of his sperm for future use before undergoing chemotherapy.

Diana, from Chippenham in Wiltshire, was unable to attempt IVF before Peter's untimely death in February 2002, but with his blessing, she decided to continue with their dream after he passed away.

I hope my daughter does and says things where I can say 'I know where she got that from' Diana Scott

Her first IVF treatment began in May 2002, but despite three further attempts, she did not conceive.

She went for a fifth attempt, knowing it was her last chance and two years to the day after Peter died - on 11 February - she carried out a home pregnancy test and could not believe her luck.

She said: "I was totally delighted.

"Peter knew I would do my best to carry on until I was successful and he would be thrilled.

She is convinced the baby will arrive after her due date of 17 October.

She said: "Her father was never on time for anything.

"He worked on 'Peter Scott time' not Greenwich Mean Time, but she might give us a surprise."

Natural birth

She hopes her baby daughter will have some of her late husband's qualities.

She said: "Peter was the best person in the world as far as I'm concerned.

"I hope my daughter does and says things where I can say 'I know where she got that from'.

"But as long as she grows up happy and healthy that's all that matters. "

Her father was a boat builder by profession and his passion was sailing.

Being a single parent is not ideal by a long way, but that's just how it is unfortunately and you have to work with what you've got Diana Scott

Diana said: "She will get a chance to try out sailing, but if she doesn't like it that's alright."

She is not worried about being an older mum, but she is a bit nervous about bringing up her daughter alone.

She said: "Being a single parent is not ideal by a long way, but that's just how it is unfortunately and you have to work with what you've got.

"I'm very lucky that I have really terrific friends and I have lots of support and my daughter will get lots of male role models.

"I'm not nervous about the birth. I want a natural birth - I would rather be in a fit state afterwards - but I'm not going to be stupid and if any intervention is necessary, I'll go along with that."

Diana is continuing to run her chandlery and boat repair business, but plans to wind down a bit nearer the time of the birth.

She is convinced the IVF treatment, which cost a total of �16,500, was money well spent and the baby was meant to be.

She said: "It means there is something of Peter ongoing and something that will carry on.

"It would be nice if she looked like Peter, who had quite red hair when he was young, but we'll just have to wait and see."