20 November 2023 , 12:40
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A couple who had to flee their home after it flooded with sewage during Storm Babet, say they have been given "hope" after a huge community drive helped them restore their precious belongings.
Jeanette Steven and her husband were left "heartbroken" after the fierce storm wrecked most of their belongings in their bungalow in Carlton-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire on October 20.
The pair were forced to seek temporary accommodation due to the impact of the flooding, which also destroyed their dog, Koko's toys and bedding.
Jeanette and Koko recieved donations from the community (Nottingham Post / BPM Media)
Koko was 'heartbroken' after seeing his toys damaged (DAILY MIRROR)Ms Stevens said the pooch looked devastated when she noticed her toys were being thrown away, reports Nottingham Live. “The sewage and water was heading towards our bungalow that evening,” she explained. “We thought it had settled, but it got to 9.30pm and it started coming through the floor, so we had to get out. For the first few nights, we stayed with friends in Grantham.
“After that, we went to temporary accommodation in Sutton-on-Trent and kept going back to the bungalow to try and rescue things. 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. My husband said the way Koko looked as we were throwing away her things was so sad. It was heartbreaking to see how she was.”
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After this, Jeanette stayed with her mum, who has dementia, to care for her and Koko stayed with volunteer fosterers, which was arranged through Guide Dogs. The family then moved to temporary accommodation in Ollerton. Jeanette said: “By this point, everything of Koko’s had gone – all her toys and beloved teddies. She just had a cushion in the car we could keep. I felt awful for her, so I put a post on a Guide Dogs community Facebook group as I just wanted a virtual hug.”
After posting in a Facebook group run by volunteers who support sight loss charity Guide Dogs, Jeanette received over £400 in gifts and donations for Koko and her family. "I never expected the response we received,” Jeanette added. "People started saying ‘could we have your address’, and 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.
“Once we were all reunited in our temporary accommodation in Ollerton, Koko could open her gifts and it was like Christmas and her birthday all rolled into one. She was sticking her nose into all the presents trying to open them and wagging her tail.
“One of the best things was to receive not one, but two Kevin the Carrot toys. Her toy carrot was her favourite toy that we had to throw away. I was in happy tears, Fred, my husband, was happy, and Koko was back to herself again.” In total, Jeanette received around £150 in monetary donations and £300 worth of toys and gifts for Koko. Jeanette added: “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, said: “We were extremely sorry to hear how Storm Babet has affected guide dog owner Jeanette and her family and we’re supporting Jeanette and her guide dog Koko during this time.
“It’s wonderful that our wider Guide Dogs Family, made up of volunteers, guide dog owners and supporters, have reached out to Jeanette and Koko, and made them feel loved and cared for with their kind gifts and donations. We wish the family the best of luck as they look to the future and will continue to do all we can to support Jeanette and Koko.”