A deaf teenager who is going blind has had her daily life transformed thanks to the kindness of strangers.

Alice Costen was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, which has caused her to become profoundly deaf and is now affecting her eyesight as well.

The 13-year-old’s mum, Susannah Dower, made an online appeal for help and funds to modify the family home in Kemsley to make it safe for her to get around. She raised £2,000.

Generous David Carpenter, from Sittingbourne, donated £860 after being moved by the schoolgirl’s story when he read it on KentOnline.co.uk, despite not knowing the family.

He was there on Tuesday last week when a new house number sign was unveiled which acknowledges his donation.

Mum-of-three Susannah, 43, said they were so grateful for Mr Carpenter’s help that they wanted to mark it somehow.

She said: “We’ve had a plaque reading ‘carpe diem’ installed which means ‘seize the day’, which is what we have to do with Alice.

“But also because ‘carpe’ for Carpenter and ‘diem’ which is the same letter as David. He was really touched.”

A number of Sittingbourne firms and national chains offered their services to transform Alice’s bedroom and pave the driveway to make it level for the Sittingbourne Community College pupil.

The driveway took two weeks and her bedroom was changed in one week over Easter.

Susannah, who recently had Alice’s name tattooed on her in braille, with a butterfly to signify deafness, said: “I’m really happy.Alice slept soundly and can get in and out of bed without tripping over things. They have all worked so hard and it’s amazing, I’m shocked.

"Thank you so much to everyone who helped.”

The project was finished with help from Swale Community Project, RM Resin Driveways, Brandon Toolhire, Brett Aggregates, Travis Perkins, CEF Electrical, LJF Carpentry, Kitchen Wraps UK, Laywell Carpets, Marvin J Decorating and Interior, Wilkinson, Homebase and B&M.