Dafne was love of his life

Friends of the devastated boyfriend of Dafne Nieveen say he wanted the world to know she was "the love of his life".

Ms Nieveen, 37, was returning from a week-long education conference in the Netherlands when she died aboard MH17.

Boyfriend Werner Lupker was yesterday still struggling to come to terms with losing his soulmate.

Friends told of Mr Lupker's undying love for Ms Nieveen.

They said the couple were ecstatic to receive their permanent residency in April.

Ms Nieveen was a very popular volunteer at the Carine chapter of the Riding for the Disabled Association.

"She was such an amazing person and will be missed by everyone," a woman said on the RDA Carine Facebook page.

"She has left a handprint on everyone's heart that she came into contact with."