Couple left homeless after a BMW smashed through their house 'overwhelmed' at generosity of fundraising donations

David Gaunt, 81, and his partner Patricia Morris, 80, told how they were "30 seconds from not being here", after the high-powered BMW ploughed into their home on Holyhead Road, in Ketley, Telford, on Sunday, November 10.

The couple have been unable to return home due to the damage, and have been in emergency accommodation until they can find a more permanent solution.

Moved by their plight Danielle Hoyle set up an online fundraiser asking people to do what they could to help David and Patricia.

Initially the gofundme page had a target of £3,000 - but it has already smashed that total, with donations currently standing just shy of £4,000, at £3,865.

David said he had been in contact with Danielle, and that he and Patricia had been left speechless at her thoughtful efforts, along with those who have contributed to the fund.

He said: "We are overwhelmed. I spoke to Danielle and I can't believe what they are doing for us, it really is overwhelming, there are no words for it to show our gratitude and to thank them for what they are doing.

"It has knocked us sideways."

He added: "I knew nothing about it. There are not enough words - I can't say enough for our gratitude and thanks for what they have done. I am truly lost for words at the kindness these people have shown."

The situation has proved particularly difficult with the couple unable to fetch possessions from their home because of safety concerns over the state of the building.

David said that the difficulties of their situation had only now begun to settle in, as he and Patricia contemplate the reality of waiting to find out when, and if, they can return to the house they called home.

He said: "I feel more out of sorts now than when it happened really. It is just catching up with us.

"Patricia keeps saying she just wants to go home but we can't even get in to get our stuff."

He added: "It is one of those situations where you never in your life dreamt you would be out of the house you were in."

Speaking in the aftermath of the crash David had told how only good fortune had saved them being seriously injured, or killed, in the shocking incident.

He said: "Luckily we were going out with family for the afternoon otherwise we would have been sat in that living room. My partner had just gone into the kitchen and had called me in to ask if I was ready yet.

“So I got up and went into the kitchen and then all hell broke loose.”

He said the “entire house shook” and there was a “huge bang” but neither of them thought it was a car.

“I thought it was a bomb,” said David. “Patricia was hysterical. It was only when I went into the front room that I saw that there was a car in our living room. It was a hell of a mess.”

He said they were in shock, but a pair of passers-by helped them from the property.

“These two really nice gentlemen came in and said, 'we've got to get you out of here, it is not safe', and they helped us out. I don't know who they are but I wish to thank them,” he added.

Anyone who wishes to support the fundraising can do so by visiting the gofundme page.