Donations helped me move overnight

A wall is built brick by brick and life often reflects on that fact.

It’s only when you take a look at each individual brick in the wall, you can understand the foundation that holds it up.

Each brick supports the next and stand together strong.

This month when my own wall around me fell down, it was the kindness of strangers that helped build it back up again and showed me such strength.

It all started with a plea from my friend, Louise, to the navy wives.

She knew the depth of my situation and how desperate I was to move home with my daughter.

She put in a call to the navy wives, to get me the essentials to move almost overnight.

Within days lots of people had joined her cause to help me, offering beds, sofas, irons and of course the all-important bottle of wine and a loo roll!

I was humbled and shocked as the donations poured in. Feeling completely at a loss at times too.

Why did I deserve this help? What had I done that was so special?

As friends and family joined the force in action, we looked like a scene out of DIY SOS.

Wateridge Services completely rebuilt the kitchen so I could get back to work, the flat kitted out by friends and family once Rob Tomkinson Removals delivered my stuff and carried it up the precarious stairs!

The navy wives continued their donations, getting me food and toiletries as well as toys for my daughter.

A lovely lady called Helen and her wonderful daughter even wrote me a card.

Suddenly, we were in.

We were unpacked and most of all had got it up and running in less than a week.

So I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved.

The support I received was truly overwhelming and I still have no idea how I can repay you all for your kindness.

It means such a lot to me to have you all as a part of my life, and I look forward to the new friendships I’ve created with those who helped to flourish in years to come.

n Sara Pollard runs Free from Temptation – a small home bakery in Fareham, visit freefromtemptation. co.uk for more.