A WOMAN is thanking the ‘brilliant’ people of a Dorset town after they answered her plea and donated dozens of nail polishes for the homeless and vulnerable.

Elaine Waterfield from Swanage asked for help after being inspired by a woman in a video she watched on YouTube.

Elaine, a radio presenter at Purbeck Coast who also presents for London-based Christian radio station Club Kingdom, said: “I first saw Sarah Flemming on YouTube and her story really touched me because she is a recovering addict. She has now come to faith and paints the nails of homeless people, those struggling with depression or people who might have lost a husband.

“Sarah's had cancer on and off since she was 19 and recently had a mastectomy due to breast cancer, but she’s still painting people’s nails. She lets them share their life stories and she shares hers, she gives them hope.

“I wanted to do something, so I asked for help in the Swanage Matters Facebook group. Lots of people brought me their polishes, we collected over 80.

When asked how the generosity felt Elaine said: “It gave me goose pimples, it was just incredible that they felt the need to offer their help. It was such a wow factor of encouragement. I’m so thankful. Sarah and I want to say a big thank you to the people of Swanage for picking up on the story and being so quick to answer the need for nail polish. It makes you feel there’s some goodness in the world.”

She added: “I’m so proud of the people of Swanage, they’ve really excelled themselves and been brilliant. I think people can identify with what Sarah has gone through and the fact she’s still giving despite the fact she’s had a mastectomy, gone through chemotherapy and lost her hair. Instead of giving up she’s been painting people’s nails.

“If you’re painting the nails of quite a few people, the nail polish soon disappears so hopefully the donations are ongoing.”

If you would like to donate nail polishes, hand creams, oils or any other hand care related items you can email Elaine at elainewaterfield53@gmail.com