Thousands of pounds have been raised to find a new home for The Olive Tree Café  after it had to move out of its home unexpectedly.

Formerly located at Manor Garden Centre in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, the popular location managed by The Recovery Tree charity was forced to move due to an unexpected failure of the drainage pumps where it was. 

News of the cafe's closure which was hoped to be temporary was met with devastation in Swindon, as it provided people with mental health struggles a safe space to work.

But in response, kind-hearted Kerrie Berry started a GoFundMe page to try and save it, which has since amassed a total of £8,315. 

That fundraising page has now been closed, but a new one has been started in conjunction with local firm Zurich and its community trust, with the business promising to match 100 per cent of any donations received. 

In response to the donations to her fundraiser, Kerrie said: "A huge thank you to everyone who has liked, shared and donated, it has been a privilege to create this page and observe the kindness of the Swindon people.

"Each and every one of you should be so proud of what we have achieved here."

In addition to the £8,315 she helped raise, members of the public have already donated £1,780 to the Zurich fundraiser - which is in effect £3,560. 

When initially spoken to, manager Phyllida Richards was unsure about the Olive Tree's future but the 60-year-old has since told the Advertiser that she has been blown away by the response and feels there is now hope. 

She said: "The support has been huge and I just want to say a huge thank you. 

"We all keep talking about how much money has been raised, how much people care about us, how many messages of support there have been and this will carry us through anything."

She added: "We are thinking to ourselves at the moment, we’re looking for somewhere to trade and considering options. We are lucky enough to have had some very generous short-term offers which are fantastic, so we will look at those places."

"We really will be looking for somewhere to call our own, we’re sure it’s out there somewhere. It's just about finding the right place to put down some roots. But I have such faith and hope in the community and in us that I am certain that we will find a new home."

To find the fundraiser, visit https://zurichfoundation.benevity.org/community/fundraiser/6223.