A POORLY labrador is one step closer to getting a life-changing operation thanks to a heart-warming donation from a pensioner.

Despite being partially sighted and deaf, 72-year-old Colin Powell from Ulverston has managed to retain the independence he craves by taking regular walks with his trusty sidekick Toby.

However, since last month, the pair have been left trapped in their own home since Toby was diagnosed with a leg injury that can only be fixed by a £3,000 operation.

Mr Powell only has the confidence to leave his home while his wife Bev is at work if Toby is by his side - with Toby unable to walk the pair are now both house-bound.

Mrs Powell launched a public fundraising campaign to pay the vet bills as their pet insurance will not cover the full amount.

The Go Fund Me page HERE

has so far attracted pledges of £2,050.

A mysterious envelope containing £20 was posted through The Mail's door overnight.

Written on the front of the envelope were the words: "For Toby and Colin Powell, from a pensioner (couldn't manage it till today sorry)."

Meanwhile, Toby's plight has also caught the attention of Animal Welfare Furness which has made a £500 donation to the growing fund.

Chairwoman Michelle Hudson said: "I just wish we could do more but we help hundreds of animals every year."

A CT scan found Toby is suffering from two deformed elbow joints and has developed arthritis.

Toby's fund has also been buoyed by the pledge of a further £100 from Kev Barry at Dalton Motor Breakers.

"I'm an animal lover and I'd read the article in the paper," Mr Barry said.

"Then the couple broke down in front of my business and I recognised the dog after helping to move their car. I wanted to do something to help."

Toby is scheduled to undergo the operation on September 7.

The two donations mean the Powells are just £350 shy of their target.