Helping hand for victim
A HOUSEMATE of a young woman left fighting for her life after a Grovedale house fire has thanked the community for rallying behind the victims.
A woman in her 20s, who the Geelong Advertiser has chosen not to name, is still in a critical condition in The Alfred hospital after sustaining serious burns when fire swept through her share house late last month.
Housemate Zoe Newall was not home at the time of the fire, but quickly rushed to the Coolalie Court property on July 24 after friends alerted her to the emergency.
Ms Newall said her three housemates, including the critically injured woman, were inside when the fire started.
“Two of the boys could get out — but my other housemate was trapped,” Ms Newall said. “A neighbour smashed through the window and saved her life.
“When I arrived, with the shock, I was just in a trance watching my house burn. But I was so grateful and shocked by what the neighbour did — it was amazing.”
Ms Newall said neighbours and complete strangers had been very generous in donating items to herself and the other housemates who lost everything in the blaze.
“Even on the day people on the street were offering me chairs and water and chocolate,” Ms Newall said.
An online crowdfunding page, established by Ms Ne-
McKenna was due to face charges over a number of alleged offences, including recklessly causing serious injury and assault with a weapon.
McKenna is described as about 178cm tall with blue eyes and medium build. Three warrants have been issued for his arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. wall’s friend Sarah Lowes, has already raised more than $3500.
A small portion of the funds will go towards helping Ms Newall and the housemates purchase essentials and get back on their feet, but the housemates plan to give most of the funds to their friend.
“I’ve been in contact with her family every day — there is not much we can do at the moment but of course we plan on donating money to her,” Ms Newall said.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by how much people have supported us. Establishing the fundraising page was a way to get people to help in any way that they could.”
Police told the Geelong Advertiser the fire was believed to have been started by a candle. Ms Newall said the fire was a reminder for the need to be vigilant with candles and oil burners.
“The cause of the fire was quite innocent and it just shows that you can never be more careful,” Ms Newall said. To support the housemates, visit gofundme.com/house-fire-releifzoe-dom-amp-matt.