A HEARTBROKEN mum-of-two from Bewdley has thanked members of the community for supporting her after January’s floods saw her family being evacuated from their home.

Gemma Mullett and her children, Ella, 14, and 11-year-old Euan, were left temporarily homeless after being forced to leave their grade two-listed rented cottage on Severnside South on January 22 after levels in the River Severn reached near 20-year record heights.

The family, who had moved in only seven weeks before, left their flood-hit home within minutes after saving whatever possessions they could as temporary flood barriers failed.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Gemma said the flood damage to her home was "unbelievable"Gemma said the flood damage to her home was "unbelievable"

The devastating incident saw the family homeless for four days. Gemma’s son and daughter were already safe after going to stay with their dad for his birthday, while Gemma, who is a support worker at Bewdley High School, took refuge at the home of Bewdley couple, Mick and Dawn Jones.

Now just weeks after the incident, and with the family slowly piecing their home life back together, Gemma has spoken out to thank those who supported her.

The 41-year-old said: “The night of January 22 will live with me forever and it was frightening for us all having to move so fast to beat the rising flood levels in only our pyjamas and coats.

“We have only lived in this beautiful cottage for a matter of months and my heart was broken as not only were we worried about our hard-earned possessions, but we had nowhere to live.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Gemma was contacted by Eddie Faulkner and Josh Skidmore from local firm CarpetED & More who helped save her sofa free of chargeGemma was contacted by Eddie Faulkner and Josh Skidmore from local firm CarpetED & More who helped save her sofa free of charge

“Luckily, the kids’ dad Matt and his family are amazing so it they both went straight there and were safe, but I then had to rely on my friend and work colleague Emma Crosby who, through social media, managed to find a family who could take me in.

"The generosity and friendship of Mick and Dawn Jones is something I will never forget as they took me in and made me feel just like part of the family.

“It was a few days until I could go back to the cottage and the damage was unbelievable.

"We had recent bought a new sofa which had been soaked in water and diesel despite being raised off the floor. We had lost food, small appliances and a folder of precious photographs which I have lost forever.

“Although it was so tough, my friend told me about the offers of support from local businesses. This set a chain reaction of the most amazing support I have ever known.”

Gemma was contacted by Eddie Faulkner and Josh Skidmore from local firm Carpet ED who helped save her sofa completely free of charge, while staff at Stourport’s Wash House assessed the damage to her washing machine and tumble dryer, whilst also laying on an industrial dehumidifier for free.

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Gemma added: “Eddie, Josh and also the team at the Wash House have been nothing short of amazing. True superheroes who helped us in our time of need and it is something we will never forget.

"Together with Mick and Dawn Jones, these people and businesses deserve the highest praise for helping us piece our lives and our home back together.

"The ordeal has opened my eyes and restored my faith in human kindness. There truly are angels among us.”

Gemma and her two children are now back in their cottage and family life is returning to normal – although she continues to suffer from breathing difficulties at times due to continued diesel fumes caused by the rescue work.