Flood-hit Moira's back on all four feet (From Gazette & Herald)

Flood-hit Moira's back on all four feet

AN animal lover who made her living looking after her neighbours' pets was driven to bankruptcy after the flash floods around Helmsley destroyed trade.

So many people were forced to evacuate their homes in Hawnby and Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe that Moira Jemson's client-base dried up over night as the floods hit in June.

"I was choc-a-block and then it just disappeared," said Moira, 54. "I did have a cancellation policy, but when people have lost their homes you can't ask them for money."

Moira had been in business as an animal house sitter for eight years, and visited homes and farms while owners were away to look after all kinds of animals, from horses to hamsters.

Hers was one of many businesses affect when 70mm of rain fell in only three hours on June 19.

After the floods she had to evacuate her cottage in Hawnby for eight weeks, but many people still haven't returned, and may be forced to stay away a full year.

Moira used her savings to cover shortfalls with the bank, but was finally forced to go bankrupt in January. "People said there was nothing to be ashamed of, but it was very hard," she said. "I did receive £1,000 from the Rye Flood Appeal, which I was so grateful for, but sadly it wasn't enough."

Now she aims to get back on her feet with a new venture - dog training.

Moira has plenty of experience and even trained a local German Shepherd called Jago to become a sniffer dog, eventually going with him to help the rescue operation at the Twin Towers in New York following the September 11 attacks.

Another selfless act was recognised recently when Moira received an award for Bravery and Services to Dogs from the Dog Trust for her help alongside Mary Yoward (nee Griffiths), of the Rye Boarding Kennels, in saving 29 dogs on the night the floods hit.

Dog training classes will begin at Hawnby Village Hall from next month, and Moira also hopes to do them at Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe Village Hall in future.

Moira added: "It's been a very turbulent year but if I can make a success of the classes it will be great."

The Thursday night classes will start at Hawnby Village Hall on March 16. Class One starts at 6.30pm and is for puppies aged between 12 weeks to six months. It is a half-hour class and costs £16 for the eight week course.

Class Two starts at 7.15pm and is an hour-long lesson for puppies six months to a year old, costing £40 for an eight-week course.

Class Three starts at 8.15pm and is basic training for dogs aged one year and over and lasts for one hour and costs £40 for an eight-week course. For more information, call Moira on 07702 068636.

Helmsley, Hawnby, Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe and other villages in North Yorkshire were devastated on June 19, 2005 when 70mm of rain fell in only three hours.

Updated: 15:49 Wednesday, February 22, 2006