Amy Sammut’s family car torched while she waited for surgery at Mackay hospital

A single mother of five whose family car was torched during a hospital visit has now suffered a social media attack. Here’s why she is devastated.

A Glenella single mother of five was lying in a hospital bed when she got a message from Mackay police that her car had been torched.

Amy Sammut was used to her knee popping out of place and said she could usually rectify the issue herself.

“I didn’t worry about it because I had kids to feed,” Ms Sammut said.

But while working a shift at Goosies Club on Saturday, her knee popped and she could not get it back into place.

“I was in so much pain,” Ms Sammut said.

Amy Sammut was in hospital when she received a call on Monday November 28 telling her that her car had been torched. Picture: Contributed

She was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital and was awaiting surgery when she received a second wave of bad news.

Her Mitsubishi had been torched in the Gooseponds car park.

“It was Monday at 5am, I thought someone was playing a joke on me,” Ms Sammut said.

‘It’s not the value of the car or the type of car, [it’s the fact] I’ve worked my life to pay for a car for my children’. Picture: Lillian Watkins

But after speaking to police, Ms Sammut said she was forced to accept the news.

“I was devastated, I broke down crying, it was terrible,” she said.

“It was like a double-whammy.

“It’s not the value of the car or the type of car, [it‘s the fact] I’ve worked my life to pay for a car for my children.

“It meant nothing for someone to come and put it up in flames.”

‘It meant nothing for someone to come and put it up in flames’. Picture: Supplied

Ms Sammut’s friend has created a GoFundMe page for Ms Sammut to try and help with the cost of getting a new car and to help keep food on the table until she is able to go back to work.

But Ms Sammut said she was frustrated at the reaction she had received from the public on social media claiming she was “just looking for a handout”.

“I am a proud woman, I’ve never once asked for anything in my life,” Ms Sammut said.

“I would work two jobs, as a cleaner in the day and at a bar at night.”

Thorne, Amy, Brooklyn, Ethan Sammut in the back and Bobby Summat at the front. Picture: Contributed

Ms Sammut said despite financial struggles she often tried to ensure neighbourhood children were fed and it was a common sight to see her ordering “17 ice cream cones at the McDonalds drive-through”.

She said she was disappointed to be feeling attacked now she was unable to work and needed help to provide for her children.

“If anyone needed help I would give them my last $5,” Ms Sammut said.

“If it wasn’t for my children I wouldn’t care about going without.”

Ms Sammut’s GoFundMe can be donated to here.