HER month began in heartbreak - but thanks to the "overwhelming support" from the people of Southampton, a mother can now look forward to Christmas with her family under a new roof.

Michelle Yeates has applauded residents who helped her and her young family after a car crashed through their home's wall.

When concerned locals heard that Michelle's family had been forced to leave their property on Leigh Road, Chandler's Ford, following the incident on November 8, the community rallied together.

They donated furniture so they could live in an unfurnished temporary home.

 

As well as items such as a double bed and cutlery, an array of Christmas presents were also given to the 33-year-old, who had spent weeks living in a hotel with her four children and partner Craig Collis.

She said: "I just can't believe how generous people have been...it's absolutely overwhelming.

"It's been like a rollercoaster, so many ups and downs since the incident...I've got really emotional.

"But we can't thank people enough for all of the support. People have been so caring. Without them we wouldn't have anything."

 

Michelle says that because of the damage to the property they had been unable to go back to pick up any everyday essentials or furniture to kit out their temporary accommodation.

However when a friend told of Michelle's plight on social media, loads of people came forward to give donations to help their cause.

At around 3am in the morning, a blue Ford Focus smashed into the front of the house, damaging the wall and propelling lumps of brick into the home, just inches away from where her son's bedroom window.

The house was described as unsafe to live in by officials who told the family to move out.

 

At the time, Craig told the Daily Echo: "It was a shock at first, it wasn't until I got to my mum's house and had a coffee and thought did that just happen?

"Its scary because my son sleeps in the room downstairs and it was so close to him."

Following the incident, Eljado Prendaj, 25, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.

He will be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court in December.