Donations flood in for Dundas man Tom Dunning who lost home to fire

Tom ‘Pop’ Dunning was diagnosed with cancer two months ago. It was on the same day he lost his wife Lorraine. Now the community is rallying around him after the 75-year-old’s home burnt to the ground this week. HOW YOU CAN HELP

Lorraine and Tom Dunning on their anniversary in 2018. Photo supplied

IN the words of his daughter-in-law, the year 2020 has been “terrible” to hay farmer Tom ‘Pop’ Dunning.

The 75-year-old was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with cancer on the same day he lost his wife, Lorraine, two months ago.

He had been keeping his illness a secret so everyone could focus on his wife.

On Tuesday, Mr Dunning’s family home, at Dundas, burnt to the ground – leaving him nothing but the clothes he had on his back.

Mr Dunning, who makes a living delivering hay around southeast Queensland, was out at the time.

“They are not sure how it started, they have done an investigation and gone all through it. There was speculation it could have been from the fuse box or the television but they are not sure,” Sonja Maria, his daughter-in-law said.

Mr Dunning lost everything, except the shed, which he is now living in, as he does not want to leave the family property.

All he has are clothes on his back.

Mrs Maria launched a fundraiser via Facebook and in just 24 hours the community has donated more than $15,000.

Tom Dunning's Dundas home burnt to the ground on Tuesday. Picture: Renae Steinke

“The response has been unbelievable,” she said.

“I wish Tom was good with Facebook, he is such a sensitive man and would love all the comments people are leaving.”

Mr Dunning has had a stall at the Caboolture Markets for at least 20 years.

Mandy Russell wrote on the Caboolture Markets Facebook page: “He is a beautiful man. Always got a smile. He works seven days a week. He delivers hay at all hours just so we don’t miss out.”

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Many others volunteered to donate, beds, clothes, appliances and furniture.

Mrs Maria said Mr Dunning was so thoughtful he didn’t bother to tell anyone he was feeling ill, as his wife was also sick.

“Tom had been quiet about the fact he was not feeling well. He was more concerned about his wife. He was in hospital the afternoon on the day she died. He needed surgery and ended up telling us he had cancer.

Tom Dunning's Dundas home burnt to the ground. Picture: Renae Steinke

“He said he had had it for a little while and didn’t want to let anyone know.”

Mrs Maria said the priority was the get the water and electricity connected to the shed.

She said donations of shirts, jeans, shoes, blankets, furniture and other items would be greatly appreciated.

To donate or to help, search for the ‘Help for Tom Dunning’ page on Facebook.