LOCAL RESIDENTS have rallied together to support a family whose home was ravaged by a fire just days before Christmas. The blaze, which erupted on December 23 at a residence on Cheriton Road, Pennar, engulfed the first floor and left the dwelling in ruins, destroying not only the family’s belongings but also the eagerly awaited Christmas presents for their five children, aged between two and 14.

Miraculously, the family was not at home when disaster struck. A vigilant postal worker detected the smell of smoke and promptly alerted the fire brigade, preventing potential tragedy.

Upon learning about the devastating incident, Michelle Roberts, a friend of Zoe, the mother of the affected family, took swift action. Collaborating with another friend, Jodie Brown, they initiated a community-wide appeal for essential items to ensure that Christmas could still be celebrated by the displaced family. The response was overwhelming, with an outpouring of support from approximately 20 individuals who generously contributed not only everyday necessities but also Christmas presents for the children.

The impromptu team of volunteers, including Councillor Michele Wiggins, gathered at Pennar Hall to wrap the donated presents, transforming the hall into a real-life Santa’s workshop. Cllr Wiggins, along with other community members, played a pivotal role in coordinating efforts, liaising with the local council to address the family’s immediate needs and organize the restoration of their damaged home.

The unity displayed by the community was truly remarkable, extending beyond material donations to practical assistance such as neighbors offering to launder clothes, friends salvaging salvageable items, and even someone venturing to Haverfordwest to secure Christmas wrapping paper when it was found to be unavailable in Pembroke Dock.

Reflecting on the community’s generosity, Mrs. Roberts expressed, “The Christmas spirit came out two days before Christmas. It was the true meaning of Christmas.” The community’s efforts culminated in a heartwarming moment on Christmas Eve when all the wrapped presents were delivered to the temporary accommodation where the family was staying, bringing real-life Christmas magic to the children.

Zoe, the mother of the affected family, conveyed her gratitude, saying, “I want to say how grateful I am to every single person that was involved and stress how happy my children were on Christmas morning because of them.” She added, “She [Zoe] is very overwhelmed. She’s the one who always helps others and is not used to taking help herself.”

The community’s compassion also translated into financial support, with a JustGiving page amassing an impressive £4,000 to aid the family in their time of need. The generosity exhibited by Pembrokeshire residents serves as a testament to the strength of community bonds and the unwavering spirit of compassion that defines the holiday season.

As the flames of adversity threatened to overshadow the festive season for one Pembrokeshire family, the community, acting as a beacon of hope, kindled the true Christmas spirit, proving that even in the face of tragedy, the power of solidarity can light up the darkest moments.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-money-for-neyland-family