As torrential rain lashed Birmingham, most residents sought shelter indoors, but one local mother took immediate action to protect her community from rising floodwaters.
A Selfless Act in the Storm
Laura Marriott, a 36-year-old mother of six from Kingstanding, noticed floodwaters creeping toward her Warren Farm Road home on Conker Island. Rather than watching helplessly, she grabbed her overcoat, wellies, a boat paddle and a broom and waded into the murky water to tackle the problem at its source.
The dedicated mum, who had just returned from the gym, worked tirelessly to clear blocked drains that were causing the flooding. She lifted two drain covers to allow the water to subside, spending hours removing leaves and debris by hand to prevent damage to her property and neighbouring homes.
Annual Mission to Protect the Community
This wasn't the first time Laura has taken matters into her own hands during bad weather. Her sister-in-law, Michelle Hines, 46, from New Oscott, revealed that Laura performs this essential task every autumn when leaves from the area's numerous Horse Chestnut trees - which give Conker Island its name - clog the drainage system.
'Laura is a very kind and thoughtful person,' Michelle said. 'She has been doing this with the drains for the last few years. The neighbours really appreciate her because she doesn't mind getting wet and dirty to prevent her home and the neighbours' getting flooded.'
After her efforts during the night of November 11, Laura returned to clear more leaves the following morning before showering and heading to her job working with SEN children at a local school.
A Hard-Earned Home Worth Protecting
Michelle explained that Laura and her husband, John Paul, a 35-year-old kitchen fitter, have worked tirelessly to create a comfortable home for their six children, aged 17, 14, 12, eight, seven and five.
'Her and my brother work very hard for a nice home and that's why she panics and gets out there to stop the floods ruining their home,' Michelle added, describing Laura as 'humble' and determined to protect her environment.
While Laura's annual efforts have earned her the gratitude of her neighbours, her family suggests that additional council clean-ups during autumn could help prevent the recurring flooding issues in the area, providing a more permanent solution to the seasonal problem.
