Carlton-on-Trent: Visually-impaired flood victim inundated with gifts for guide dog

Jeanette Stevens said she "never expected" to receive such a response

A visually-impaired woman whose bungalow was flooded with sewage during Storm Babet has been inundated with gifts and donations from strangers.

Jeanette Stevens' bungalow in Carlton-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, was severely damaged in bad weather on 20 October.

She was left in tears after all the toys and bedding belonging to guide dog Koko had to be thrown away.

An appeal on social media has led to people donating more than £400 worth in gifts and donations.

Mrs Stevens was forced to evacuate her home when sewage and rain water "started coming through the floor".

Flood water and sewage engulfed her bungalow

Her family later moved to temporary accommodation in Ollerton, said the Guide Dogs charity.

"The sewage and water was heading towards our bungalow that evening," Mrs Stevens said.

"We thought it had settled, but then it started coming through the floor, so we had to get out.

"We had to throw most of Koko's toys and bedding in the bin as they were covered in sewage, and I was just in tears."

She posted an appeal in a closed Facebook group, ran by volunteers who support sight loss charity Guide Dogs, as she "just wanted a virtual hug".

Jeanette Stevens and her husband Fred stayed with her mother who has dementia before finding accomodation

But Mrs Stevens then received about £150 in cash donations and £300 worth of toys and gifts for seven-year-old Koko.

She added: "People started asking for our address; first we received a £30 Amazon voucher.

"We then started receiving parcels and boxes for Koko, full of toys and donations for her and for us.

"I don't know how to thank everyone who sent us something, but I can say they have given us hope and happiness."

Tracey Getten, operations manager for Guide Dogs, based in Nottingham, added: "It's wonderful that our wider Guide Dogs family have reached out to Jeanette and Koko.

"They have made them feel loved and cared for with their kind gifts and donations."