A FAMILY who were reduced to nothing but the clothes on their backs in a traumatic house fire have been handed the support of colleagues.
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Bradley Holt is used to helping others as a paramedic in Holbrook, but the recent tragedy has left him on the receiving end for a change.
His family’s single-storey four-bedroom brick home was completely gutted by fire on Saturday night when flames from the stovetop tore through the air-conditioning duct.
Within minutes, Mr Holt, wife Kylie and their five children aged 16, 14 and 10-year-old triplets, lost everything.
Mrs Holt yesterday spoke of the overwhelming response from the tight-knit community, who rallied hard to provide essentials and support for the family.
Fund-raisers and collection points are garnering support for the family, but efforts were kicked up a gear yesterday with NSW Ambulance launching an appeal to help out their very own.
“It is inspiring to see that the community Bradley supports as a paramedic is now rallying behind him and his family to help them in their time of need,” NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Commissioner Ray Creen said.
“I have launched a NSW Ambulance Commissioners Appeal fund for staff to generously donate to in support of one of their own.”
The family had moved to Holbrook from the Central Coast five years earlier and were midway through renovating their home – new carpet had been laid just four days earlier and walls were freshly painted to make way for new blinds that were fitted the day before the fire.
“The news of the family home of one of our valued paramedics being destroyed is devastating,” Commissioner Creen said.
“I’ve spoken with Bradley to offer him and the Holt family our sympathies and support during this difficult time.”
NSW Ambulance is also working to replace uniforms and certificates of service lost to Mr Holt in the fire.
The family are staying at a friend’s place in Holbrook, before they move to a rental property until insurance can see them rebuild.
The community can donate to the fund via direct bank deposit, either online or in person at a Westpac Branch.
The fund will close on Tuesday, April 14 at 5pm at which time all funds raised will be provided to the Holt family
This is not a tax deductible donation so anyone donating should keep their own record of the deposit as receipts will not be issued.
Items can also be donated to the family at Landmark Pitzen and Holbrook Stores.
How to donate:
Ambulance Service of NSW General Operating
BSB 032-020
Account number 228033
Reference number 143690
