A blind couple facing eviction have been "blown away" by a stranger's bid to for them.

Cath and John Roche, who have been blind since birth, were stunned after they were handed a Section 21 noticed after the landlords who owned their home in , had their properties repossessed by a bank. The couple, who have lived together for 14 years, own guide who are "used to the area" and believe any move to a suitable home in the next two months would be impossible.

The couple faced finding a home that would not only be safe for them but also one that would be right for guide dogs Oakley and Jamie. But the couple were given a glimmer of hope after a complete stranger stepped in after hearing about their situation during an episode of ITV's Granada Reports.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

She contacted receivers and estate agents and went on to launch a GoFundMe page to raise the £135,000 to buy the four-bedroom home for them. As of Monday evening, the GoFundMe campaign has raised £309 with 14 people donating.

"I was blown away by it," John said when asked about the fundraiser. "It would be a dream come true." Receivers Redbrick Survey and Valuation Limited have since told they had "paused" the sale of the property and "remain committed to support the couple through this transition."

The has seen a listing for the property said it was sold with "tenant in situ", which refers to a tenant who remains in the property after it was sold and continues to live there under terms of their existing tenancy.

Mirror affiliate reported a spokesperson for Redbrick said: "Issuing a Section 21 notice is the start of a process that typically takes several months. When Redbrick seeks possession of a property, we aim to engage with tenants compassionately, offering the flexibility needed to help them secure alternative living arrangements. This includes directing them to local support services for additional guidance and assistance.

"In our conversations with Mr and Mrs Roche, we have shared this information and remain committed to supporting them through this transition. We have paused the sale of the property and will reach out to Mr and Mrs Roche again regarding their arrangements."

John and Cath said their previously landlord had owned "more than 200 properties in Blackpool." But they became suspicious a year ago when their rent was increased from £700 to £900.

Cath, whose guide dog Oakley is retired, has kept him due to the "unbreakable bond between a dog and its owner." Her position on the waiting list for a new dog has been put on hold due to the uncertainty over their living arrangements.

"The dogs are used to everything; every bump in the pavement and where crossings are, which places we visit and people we know like our neighbours," John added. "It just wouldn't work for us have to live somewhere else through no fault of our own."