From standing in the rubble, to this.. I did not think we would ever see it
Family back at arson home rebuilt with £300K aid
EXCLUSIVE
A FORMER Royal Marine whose house was burnt down when he stood up to a gang of yobs spoke of his delight yesterday after well-wishers raised £300,000 to rebuild it.
Sean Ivey, 39, wife Kate and their children Benjamin, six, and eight-year-old Georgia had to flee their home following the arson attack in March.
But after months in a rented property, the family returned in time for Christmas.
Sean said: “It is just a huge, huge thanks to the public who donated to make this possible. We are so grateful for their generosity. It is just a joy to be back.”
Nurse Kate, 36, said: “From standing in the rubble, to the way it is now… we could never see it coming, but we are here.”
In video footage of the moment they went back to their house, Georgia says: “I love the house.” And Benjamin tells how he is “super happy” to be back.
The Ivey’s home in Wingate, Co Durham, was torched in the early hours after Sean spoke out against lawless gangs in their village. Their car and caravan were set alight on the drive and flames spread to the property.
The inferno destroyed Sean’s old uniform, medals, Kate’s wedding dress, and treasured old photos. It also badly damaged the children’s bedrooms. Sean,
It’s a huge thanks to the public who donated. We are so grateful for their generosity
who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said: “It has been a difficult time particularly for my little girl who has had counselling.
“To stand up for what was right and have that happen was very hard for us.”
An online fund started by Sean’s former 45 Commando colleague Kevin Miller raised £301,000, with donations from all over the world. It paid not only for rebuilding their home, but the house they rented for nine months while the work was carried out.
Sean, who works with veterans’ charity Finchale Group, had no home insurance after forgetting to renew the policy.
He yesterday admitted anti-social behaviour was still an issue in his village.
So he is setting up the charity Commando Kids Youth Initiative to help disadvantaged children around the area.
Prince William contacted Sean in the wake of the arson attack.
He wrote: “For a person to be put in such a position, simply due to having the moral courage to stand up for what is right, is reprehensible. I stand beside you.”
Durham Police made arrests over the blaze but said due to “insufficient evidence” to support a charge, no further action is going be taken.
SEAN IVEY ON CAMPAIGN TO RAISE CASH TO REBUILD TORCHED HOUSE