A couple who lost their only home in the Pappinbarra fire are living in a leaky caravan, beside the rubble of their old house.
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Tom and Millie Cowen work in Sydney during the week, and dreamed of retiring to Pappinbarra where they spent their spare time.
But on February 12, the house that Tom built, along with sheds, machinery and 37 years of memories, were destroyed in the catastrophic bush fires that raged through the valley.
A long-time friend, Tracey Howard says they were uninsured and don’t have a plan B.
“Tom, who used to teach here, was all set to retire to his dream, their home in Pappinbarra. Now he has no chance of that.
“He will have to work to save money to start all over again – at retirement age,” she said.
The page www.gofundme.com/please-help-tom-millie has raised $10,720 in 20 days.
Tracey says people have been very generous and the couple are humbled by it.
“We have decided to aim high and get them a home to live in. It might be a kit home or even a shed to convert, but we will get them something secure, watertight and more livable than what they have now.
“If you know anyone who can help with this, please put them in touch with us. If not, please give something – even just $5 or $10. Every little bit will get us closer to being able to give them a home,” she added.
She is asking people to share the story on Facebook, even if they’ve shared it before.
”Thank you again. We will help Tom and Millie rebuild their lives,” she said.