AN elderly woman swindled out of £1,300 had her “faith restored in humanity” after the public rallied round her with donations.

This week, the 82-year-old from Greenmeadow was presented with flowers and an £1,000 cheque thanks to a trio’s fundraising efforts.

In October, the elderly woman answered her door to a man holding a roof tile. He told her it had fallen off her house as there must be squirrels nesting there and he claimed he could fix it.

He said there must be squirrels nesting in the loft, and that he could set traps for her to catch them.

The man duped the woman into giving him £300 for the work and then took her into the back garden to show her what he claimed were squirrel holes before he ran back inside and made off with £1,000.

Natasha Maguire, along with friends Lisa Robson and Tina Cox, appealed to charitable residents to donate to help the elderly woman and make sure her money could be replaced.

The town lent their support to the victim culminating in Natasha being invited round to meet the woman in person.

A number of goodwill messages left by supporters were also given to the woman. Natasha said the messages and donation touched the woman’s heart at the difficult time.

“It’s restored her and mine’s faith in humanity. The goodwill messages meant as much as the money to her," said Natasha.

"The person who did this left her feeling very vulnerable and alone. The money and the message showing their support made her realise there are good people out there.

“It was lovely to meet her and show the support, not only from us but from everyone in Swindon.

“The Swindon community have been so generous, nothing was too much trouble. More than 50 people donated to us and the response they gave to a complete stranger was completely overwhelming."

A North Swindon Police spokesman paid tribute to the generosity of people in the town who had donated.

“Natasha was taken by two PCSOs to visit the lady, where she gave her some beautiful flowers, and a cheque for £1,000 to replace some of what she had lost," he said.

"Almost as importantly she had also printed off loads of goodwill messages from people who had supported the fund, which the elderly woman can now read and know she has the support and best wishes of her community.

“North Swindon NPT would like to thank everyone who was involved in making this happen, and to say that this kindness has made a big difference to her.

"Please be assured this money will be kept safely in the bank, and we continue to keep an eye on her.”