A NEWENT resident who appealed for help on social media to raise over £600 so that her dog could undergo an operation to beat cancer, has been successful. 

Colette Paganini explained that Coco’s urgent need for the operation was only discovered by the vet recently and didn’t allow Colette and her husband enough time to source funds for this life-saving procedure. 

At the same time Colette’s husband was made redundant and they are now receiving benefits and using their savings to cover the cost of everyday living.  

When starting her fundraising campaign for Coco, Colette said: “I don't mean to paint a sob story, but our ‘baby’ needs us, and we are struggling. We have never found ourselves in this position before. My husband has worked hard all his life, as have I, and earned a good income, though we found ourselves getting into debt despite that.” 

After an outcry of support on social media and numerous donations, including an anonymous £150, Colette’s fundraiser reached the target £600.  

The Go Fund Me fundraiser is still open for donations and Colette has pledged that any extra money raised beyond that needed for Coco’s treatment will be donated to the Blue Cross dog’s charity as a thank you for their support during this process. 

Coco underwent the life-saving operation last week.