A couple who dropped everything to pursue their dream job of opening a home decor business were devastated after floods ripped apart their shop.
Sarah and Michelle Perrin, from Salendine Nook, started their business Homely Abode two years ago after Sarah gave up her job teaching at Lindley Infants and Juniors.
Their dream to one day open their own shop had been in the pipeline for years, with them eventually opening on Tenterfields Business Park in Luddenden Foot.
But after the Boxing Day floods hit, the couple, who have six children, lost nearly everything, while the Hebden Bridge shop they planned to move to this month was also badly damaged.
Michelle, 39, said: “About 80% of our stock has been destroyed, and what is left is now stacked up in our dining room.
“The water was about 5ft deep.
“We have lost about £20,000 to £25,000. It’s devastating because we put everything on the line for the business.”
Homely Abode specialise in home accessories and distressed furniture.
Michelle said the couple sourced furniture from France on a trip in November, but it has all since been destroyed in the floods.
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Homely Abode was uninsured due to being on a flood plain, leaving the couple with a huge void.
Meanwhile, the move to Hebden Bridge has been postponed to March, while Sarah, 41, has returned to being a temporary supply teacher and Michelle focuses on running the online business from home.
Michelle added: “We had a few family bereavements last year and we are busy with the children, so it has not been easy.
“Thankfully, the support from the community has been wonderful.
“The business has been our dream for so long there’s no way we’ll stop for this.”
