A NOTTINGHAM mother who lost everything in a house fire says she is overwhelmed by generous donations from Post readers.

Tina Lavender, 44, and her two young children were left homeless on January 30 after an accidental fire in a neighbouring property spread to her house in Colwick Road, Sneinton.

When she returned to the house the next day she was distraught to discover that everything had been ruined.

The Post reported her story last week, and she has since been inundated with donations from readers including clothes for her children, toys, blankets, kitchenware and money.

She said: "I'm so shocked that everyone's been so generous, I didn't expect it at all. I'm overwhelmed, I'd like to say a massive thank you."

Until donations from Post readers, Ms Lavender and her children, eight-week old baby daughter Lily-Mai and two-and-a-half-year-old son Harley, were wearing the same clothes as the day of the fire.

The generous readers include, Kay and Clive Cookson, of West Bridgford, who provided seven large bags full of clothes, blankets and sheets for Ms Lavender.

Mr Cookson, 74, said: "I felt really sorry for her, it was such a shame. We thought let's have a look in the wardrobe and we found a duvet, pillow cases, blankets. My daughter came round with children's clothing, we even found a new kitchen clock that's never been used. It's not a lot but it's something that might help and it's things we don't need."

West Bridgford mother Cristina Chapman and some of her friends also delivered bags of toys and clothes for the children.

Pauline and Len Madden, of St Ann's, also sent Ms Lavender a card with some cash. Mrs Madden, 72, said: "I'm a Christian, I thought she looked like a woman who was struggling on her own and the baby looked so beautifully kept.

"We're pensioners so it's not a lot but it was a gesture and I hoped local people would rally around and give her a leg up.

"She'd just started to decorate, it must have been heartbreaking for her."

A Sherwood resident, who has asked not to be named, sent Ms Lavender a cheque for £50. In a letter they wrote: "Tina's story resonated with myself. I am the same age as Tina and I have also escaped domestic violence. I therefore understand, on a parallel, the depth of courage and inner strength within Tina to keep persevering and moving forward. The cheque is only a small contribution but I hope it will help to strengthen the inner courage within Tina."

Ms Lavender said she had collected everything she owned in the past five years after fleeing an abusive relationship. She had no contents insurance.

She said: "I'm so grateful, so unbelievably grateful. It was so nice to wear clean clothes and now my little boy has some toys to play with.

"He's so happy."