Loretta Boyes was in Sydney being treated for breast cancer when she and her husband, Jason heard the terrible news that their home near Comboyne had been engulfed by fire.
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All their belongings and sentimental items have been ruined, and now they have to rebuild, refurnish and restart their lives on the land.
Jason and Loretta moved to Comboyne in 2012 and have fallen in love with the area and the people there. They ran a local cafe until Loretta became ill.
After they moved, they got married at the community hall in the beautiful Elands area, and their family love to visit.
Daughter-in-law Kate says Jason and Loretta’s dream was to live on a large block of beautiful land, build a home and enjoy a new chapter of their lives.
“We have been up there multiple times to sit around the fire, enjoy the fireflies and tell stories – lots of memories to remember.
“It really was their happy place and it breaks our hearts to know that this has happened to the place they truly loved,” she added.
Kate has set up a www.gofundme.com/jasonandloretta account on Facebook and already, 33 people have raised $6,040 for the couple.
“Our parents are incredibly strong people, especially given life’s challenges over the past few years and Loretta still fighting off breast cancer,” said Kate.
“We know they will take this in their stride however we are asking you, our family and friends to help them out if you can. It is going to take months to rebuild a shelter and even longer to get back on their feet.
“They have been flooded with calls and messages filled with love and support and genuinely appreciate all of them. Thanks to everyone who has reached out.”
Although Jason and Loretta are devastated by what’s happened, on top of Loretta’s illness, they are determined to stay in Comboyne, the community they love to much, and make their own little haven there again.