Family shattered as fire destroys Sydney home and wedding plans
Chris Dunlop and Nerissa Long had big plans for their wedding in July but a freak fire destroyed their home a few weeks ago, leaving their dreams in shatters.
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Chris Dunlop and Nerissa Long had big plans for their July wedding but a freak fire destroyed their home a few weeks ago, leaving their dreams in shatters.
They lost many valuables — including their precious pictures of their children when they were babies and wedding items — when their rented home in Padstow Heights went up in flames on Sunday, May 5.
“The fire has shown us that people can so amazing and given us hope,” said Ms Long, as the family felt the love from the community.
By a miracle, no one was hurt in the blaze which tore through their two-storey four-room home on Clancy St, Padstow Heights.
Ms Long’s car was damaged and has been sent for repairs. Now the family is helped by the community with a fundraising page collecting more than $7,000.
Ms Long, whose mum Rose and brother Daniel were also staying there, said if she had not gone to church that morning with daughter Ariyanna, they could have been in danger because the fire began in their bedroom, just above the garage.
That fateful morning, Mr Dunlop and Daniel Long had gone to work while Ms Long, mum Rose, and children Ariyanna and Nathan were at church, with only eldest son Charles Joseph (CJ) in the home.
CJ, who was in the downstairs study, heard the smoke alarm go off at 10.15am and quickly called the fire brigade before informing his mum.
“By the time, my daughter and I ran from the nearby church, the house was on fire and several fire brigade crews were fighting it,” Nerissa told the Express.
“I ran to the front of the house because I could not see CJ and one step from entering the front when I heard my son call my name.
“I hugged him and cried. CJ is such a responsible child.”
A spokeswoman for Fire and Rescue NSW said they dispatched six crews to battle the blaze, which caused a large volume of smoke.
“When the crews reached the second level, they found the front room well alight,” she said.
“The fire did not spread to the roof.
“The house was severely destroyed by fire.”
Two of their cats, Assami and Tails, turned up two days later, one with a burnt ear and other with burnt paws. Now they hope CJ’s cat, Link, is safe as they haven’t found him despite going back to the home each evening and calling his name.
“I pray he has not perished in the fire,” Ms Long said.
“We managed to rescue our bird August and pet mouse, Panda, who were in the hall
“Chris pleaded with the fire crews that he had to check upstairs if our wedding rings and other stuff were safe and after signing a waiver, he, and fire crews managed to find our rings, safe but singed by the fire.
“All the wedding clothes, invitations were destroyed, along with Chris’ beloved Swans memorabilia.
“I thought the children’s pictures were safe as they were in the hard drive, but that was destroyed too.
“It puts your life into perspective … we have lost pictures of the children when they were babies.
“The house is out of bounds for us as the investigations are ongoing so we don’t know what else is gone, along with the furniture, appliances etc.”
Thanks to their close friend Trent Smith — who started fundraising and contacted media organisations — Mr Dunlop and Ms Long have receiving amazing support from many sources, including neighbours, schools, churches, Nova FM and Sydney Swans.
The response has overwhelmed Ms Long and Mr Dunlop who had been planning for years for their July 27 wedding, having got engaged in 2014.
“The fire has shown us that people can so amazing and given us hope that there are a lot of good people out there and we have to open our eyes to them,” Ms Long said.
“Trent, who is the Godfather to Ariyanna and my work colleague, has been simply remarkable and so supportive.
“Our real estate agents, Professionals Chambers Fleming Real Estate Padstow, specially Rebecca, Emma and Jenny have been amazing, helping to get another rental property.
“Then we had the people from Nova FM come over and provide us with some financial assistance and bikes for the children who are over the moon.
“Wesley Mission have provided us replacement fridge, washing machine etc while the children’s schools Padstow Height Public School, Menai High School and Picnic Point High School, have all been very supportive.
“Sydney Swans have given Chris, a huge fan of theirs, a signed jersey and other memorabilia which is wonderful because Chris is such a kind man who always puts others before him.
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“In the seven years since we met, Chris treats my children like his own, my mum and brother like his own family and despite losing everything in the fire, all he wanted was to save our wedding rings and earrings.
“Since we got engaged he has been looking forward to the wedding … now this happens.”
Mr Smith said the money raised from the fundraising will go directly to the family, helping them to rebuild their lives and home again.
To date they have received more than $7000 towards the $20,000 goal.
To help visit: https://bit.ly/2VXwEYR
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