A County Durham dad has thanked kind-hearted strangers who have donated to a fundraiser which was set up after his family was left homeless following a callous burglary over Christmas.
The family, who wish to stay anonymous and have two daughters, had been away visiting relatives over the festive period when their home in Blackmoor Close, Darlington, was targeted by burglars.
It is believed that at some point on Christmas Eve, suspects not only ransacked the house, but cruelly blocked the sinks and left the taps running, causing the house to flood and ceilings to collapse.
Read more: County Durham family left homeless after thieves break in and flood house for Christmas
Several personal items were also stolen from the property, including a TV and an Xbox, and a PlayStation from their two-year-old daughter's bedroom.
Now dad Jake has spoken of his gratitude towards those who have kindly donated towards a fundraiser which was set up by his brother Aiden to help them in their hour of need.
At the time of writing the fund had raised upwards of £600 as kind hearted strangers donated to help the family to cover the costs of the stolen items and any additional costs they will have to use while alternative accommodation is found.
"It's a massive help and it's a big relief knowing that the money's there so knowing that we haven't got to go and find extra money for a TV and the Xbox, stuff like that, Jake says.
"So knowing that we haven't got that added stress, we can prioritise things like food and getting the house right.
"We were at the house yesterday going through some things and my daughter's bed has soaked up all the water and the mattress has soaked up all the water, so it's things like that which we need to look at."
Jake explained that it would mean a great deal to him and his family for his daughter's possessions to be replaced and for everything to be 'put back for her like it was'.
"It's going to mean a lot for my daughter as everything will be put back for her like it was and [that] feels really good as well. We've had a lot of people get in contact and it gives them that avenue to support us."
He thanked his family for the support they have given them over the past week and extended his gratitude towards his brother for setting up the fundraiser as well as offering his own support.
"I've always had a really supportive family and it feels good to know that in the times that we need them, they are there for us.
"It means a massive amount to us. I love my brother and it's good to know that we've got each other's backs if anything was to go wrong. He lives quite a way from us in Norfolk but he was one of the first people to say 'do you want to come and stay with us'.
"With Aiden, he's a busy guy but he's always taking time out of his own day to call me and make sure we're ok so that's good. I know that nothing would ever be too much to ask and that's brilliant."
Jake added that he feels it is good for his children to see the charitable side of the general public and for them to see that it's the 'right thing' to help people when they are in need, especially following such a traumatic week.
"It's good for them to see that you don't have to be alone and when you need to, you can call on people and it's the right thing to do to help other people when they need help. We're in need now but there are times when other people are in need.
"In the future there will be times when other people will be in need and it's a good lesson for them, if you know what I mean."
Anyone with any information that could help with the investigation into this incident is asked to contact PC Haynes of Durham Constabulary at Stefan.Haynes@durham.police.uk quoting incident number 244 of December 28.
Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up following the burglary which you can donate to here.
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