Robert Saunders and Naomi Wickham lose home in horror Gippsland bushfire

A Gippsland couple woke to the smell of smoke during the October bushfires and quickly evacuated, losing everything as flames ripped through their property. Now they’ve put the callout for help.

Moroka couple Robert Saunders and Naomi Wickham woke up to the smell of smoke on October 1, and later discovered their home was destroyed by the Gippsland bushfires. Picture: Supplied

An East Gippsland couple has lost everything after recent bushfires destroyed their home in Moroka.

Robert Saunders and Naomi Wickham woke to the smell of smoke just before 7am on October 1.

“By the time they got outside the whole bush was up in flames, they only had time to get their animals and the clothes on their backs,” daughter Lily Saunders wrote in a post on fundraising website GoFundMe.

Despite keeping in close contact with emergency services, it wasn’t until they couple arrived back home that they discovered everything had been destroyed.

“As much as we understand things are replaceable, this house wasn’t just a house, it was a home and an entire lifestyle for my parents,” Ms Saunders said.

Mr Saunders and Ms Wickham’s lost their “piece of paradise” home at the beginning of the month. Picture: Supplied

“It was truly our little piece of paradise and something we were all so proud of, to have it all burn down within a couple of hours is absolutely heartbreaking.

“Naomi & Rob have worked hard their entire lives, and would take the shirt off their back for anybody in need — if you can afford to help them out during this time we will be forever grateful.”

The couple lived in a remote property on land in Moroka — north of Briagolong. Picture: Supplied

Within days, more than $30,000 had been raised to help the Moroka couple.

“I know the money will get to the family that needs all the help they can get. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose my home and belongings,” Sue Britton commented on the page.

“Feeling for you — hope you can rebuild,” Stephen Elliott wrote.

“Naomi, I cannot imagine how you feel at the moment, I’m just glad that you and your partner are okay. We hope you get through this and out on the other side. Our thoughts are with you,” Eliza McDiarmid said.

“It was truly our little piece of paradise and something we were all so proud of, to have it all burn down within a couple of hours is absolutely heartbreaking.

Ms Saunders thanked everyone for their donations in a Facebook post.

“You all know who you are, we are so very grateful. As s****y as the circumstance are it shows what a beautiful world we really do live in,” she said.

“Money isn’t going to replace all of mum and dad’s memories and sentimental bits and pieces but it is going to take pressure off them during this time, and that means the world to us.

“This is going to help them in so many ways.

“Rob and Naomi had NO warning — if they had slept in any longer they wouldn’t be here today.”