Last updated at 17:18, Sunday, 22 July 2012

THERE were emotional scenes when traders presented a cheque for more than £800 to the family of an Ulverston woman who was kidnapped by pirates in Africa.

Judith Tebbutt’s sister, Carol McDougall spoke to the Evening Mail of her gratitude for the town’s support – but said the family would never fully get over the ordeal.

Mrs McDougall said her sister, who was released in March after more than six months in captivity, was slowly recovering from the traumatic experience.

Mrs Tebbutt’s husband, David, was shot and killed during the attack by pirates on the Kenyan beach resort the couple, of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, were staying at last September.

Mrs McDougall said: “She is doing OK and taking each day as it comes.

“She is gradually putting weight back on but it will take time.

“My sister cannot believe all the generosity in Ulverston for the family.”

Mrs Tebbutt, a former pupil at Victoria School, now Ulverston Victoria High School, returned to the country after she was released in March. Her family reportedly paid a ransom of £800,000 to secure her release.

Mrs McDougall said: “Even though my sister lives away, she is from Ulverston and still calls this her home.

“The fact that people, especially in this economic climate, are thinking of my family and giving so generously is very much appreciated.

“I would like to thank everyone in Ulverston – it is a small town and they have all been so kind. It is all still quite surreal really – I don’t think we will ever get over it.”

The cheque for £823.79 was handed over to the family outside Brocklebanks greengrocers, in Market Street, where several local traders involved in raising the money gathered to wish the family well.

Afterwards, Mrs McDougall thanked Julie Atkinson, who works at Brocklebanks, for all her support and for helping to co-ordinate the fundraising effort.

Mrs Atkinson said: “When I heard about it and realised who the family was I wanted to help.

“Judith has got the support of the town and I am glad she is doing well.”

First published at 13:07, Sunday, 22 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk