​The family of a diabetes sufferer say they are halfway towards being able to afford to pay for a wet room to make her more comfortable at home.

More than £1,500 has been raised by the community to help Deal mum-of-two Jodie Christie, 40, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 17.

Husband David Christie says his family have received many offers of help and support including from a marathon runner following coverage which highlighted their plight.

He said: “The support has been amazing and the comments have been lovely. It’s been more than we ever expected. Jodie can’t believe it either.

“It’s come from people we don’t even know.

“It gives you really faith in humanity.”

Mrs Christie’s condition has worsened over the last three years, which she has spent in and out of the Marlowe Ward at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

As well as developing Crohn’s, reflux disease, circulation problems resulting in the recent loss of her wedding finger and some sight loss, she has also suffered a heart attack in July.

She requires both a kidney and pancreas transplant but her name is unable to go on the transplant list until she has gained better strength.

An online appeal ‘Reach Out’ to raise funds for home adaptations was launched by her 17-year-old daughter Nicole a day before she returned to her Marlborough Road home just over a week ago.

Within 10 hours of it going live, Deal Mobility in Queen Street had measured up and fitted a stair lift for free.

Mr Christie, a professional wedding photographer, said: “The stair lift has made such a difference.

“Jodie can get around the whole house which she couldn’t have done before. It’s made it so much easier for us.”

The wheelbarrow of alcohol raffle was won by Mark Andrews.

Donations can still be made through PayPal via jodie.christie@yahoo.com