Community rallies around family after fire

A Seddon family whose home was destroyed by fire has told how the compassion of their community is helping them find hope.

Summa Donald, Scott Bruning and their children lost almost everything they own in a devastating fire last week.

But the family have revealed how the strength of love and support has helped them cope in the aftermath of the life-changing fire.

“The strength of love, concern, eagerness to help, generosity, kindness... everything is the most incredible thing I have ever experienced,” Summa says.

“Our friends and family are amazing but the support from a whole community has been the most humbling of all. I feel incredibly lucky and proud to call Seddon home.”

The company director had returned home after dropping the children off at school when the lights in their Tetley Brook Road home started to flicker.

Thinking it was a small earthquake, she says she paid it little attention at first.

But when she began to smell something burning, she went to investigate.

“I followed the smell to the porch, opened the door and a huge cloud of thick black smoke instantly filled up the hallway.

“I saw flames up the side of the wall. I remember the feeling of complete disbelief. My first instinct was to turn off the electrics, but I couldn't see anything because of the smoke.

“I grabbed our puppy and ran outside and tried to find a hose which in hindsight was completely ridiculous.”

Four appliances and crews from around the region rushed to the scene on Wednesday but the fire was already well involved.

Summa says her immediate neighbour Dave Newman rushed to help when he spotted the flames.

By this point, panic had set in, and Dave took over the 111 call.

“I couldn't think straight. I waited out on the road for the brigade, and it was all a bit of a blur.

“I still had hope that the house could be saved, I couldn't see much from the road.”

Scott arrived home and joined neighbours who quickly came to see if they could help. Seeing people she knew helped hugely, Summa says.

“It was a real comfort to know faces and see Scott, all the neighbours were all there to help in some way.

“Another neighbour took me to their house and then the whole road turned up for support, it was truly and most incredible and overwhelming feeling of love and support.”

While not officially confirmed, it is believed a lamp is to blame for the blaze.

The community have quickly rallied round to help the family. Seddon School held a mufti day to raise money and others have donated

household goods, clothes and teddies.

Summa and Scott say they have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

“Our insurance company, Crombie and Lockwood and Vero, have been amazing.  Not just with the process but their caring, kindness and support has been so reassuring.

“It's a scary time but they have helped to take some of the burden,” Scott says.

“The kids have had safe and secure places to stay. Our neighbours have been incredible, John and Maria Ryan have given us somewhere to stay which incredibly kind.

“When you realise you really have nothing left, the comfort of having somewhere to go means everything.”

The support has shown the family how special people are, Summa adds.

“I feel that I could never repay any of it, but I know this has shown me how special people are, that no matter how little you think your support might impact someone, it actually means more than I can put into words.

“The emergency services not only did their jobs incredibly but the support after and the donations for the kids was amazing.

“We have had an overwhelming amount of support from supportive messages, shoulders to cry on, hugs, donations of clothes and everyday items, to money, vouchers, accommodation, helpers onsite, everything you can think of and then things you don't realise you need.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out and had us in their thoughts, words will never express our gratitude, but please know that you have impacted us in the most amazing way which will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”