Terminally-ill flood victim home for Christmas after rapid repairs

Emily Eden is settling in for Christmas after months of living in a hotel room

A terminally-ill teenager has moved back home after repairs to her flood-damaged house were completed in time for Christmas.

Emily Eden has been living in a hotel room with her parents when water swamped her home in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, during Storm Babet.

The 19-year-old, who is having chemotherapy to treat cancer, said it was "amazing" to be back.

She thanked builders for their rapid work in making the house habitable.

The flood water destroyed many of the Eden's possessions

Ms Eden said: "I didn't think I would be back in for Christmas but I am and it's amazing.

"I want to thank everyone who has helped make that happen - and my mum and dad for looking after me."

Her father Richard Eden said: "It means such a lot to be be able to get Emily home in time to celebrate Christmas.

"There was a point where we didn't think it would be possible.

"The builders have been great and they have worked so hard to make this happen for us.

"There was so much that needed doing and they pulled out all the stops."

The house has been fully dried out and refurbished with its floors and electrics replaced.

The 19-year-old returned home to find presents left for her by the builders who restored the house

Builders, from Belfor Ltd, had aimed to get the family back in by 23 December, but finished the job a day earlier.

Mr Eden said his family had been "blown away" by the support they had from the Clay Cross community.

Thousands of pounds have been raised to help them replace furniture and other possessions destroyed in the flood.

"It's heart-warming. I just want to thank everyone who has helped us and I hope they have an amazing Christmas," he added.

'Safe zone'

Mr Eden said Emily had been taken to hospital in early December after contracting Covid-19.

"We were quite worried about but she's doing better now," he said.

"The doctors are very pleased with how she's going with the chemo.

"It's great to be home because that's her safe zone and where we can make sure she's as comfortable as possible."