The tragedy came only years after Mel's sister, Megan, died in 2009 leaving behind children Jackson and Jesse, who became part of the Greenhalgh family. 

“One of the hardest things we have had to come to terms with is the loss of all my sisters possessions,” Mel said. “I’m the last one alive on my side of the family, and so I was holding a whole lot of precious things which I felt responsible for passing onto the boys.” 

“This was much bigger than my husband and I. We live by the mantra that we’re all ok and we’re all alive, but there are days when that just can’t get you through, because you do miss the things you just know you’ll never get back.” 

Despite their many hardships, the family have soldiered on together, slowly picking up the pieces.

“What isn’t lost is our memories, we now just have to keep telling stories and sharing things with the kids about their mother and that’s one of the biggest things I have learnt from this.”

The fire that destroyed their house was started by a rogue ember from their fireplace. Mel, Mick and their four children Analise, Jackson, Tyler and Jesse managed to escape unharmed.

Now the community of Sutton have rallied behind the family, with family friend Therese Kershaw launching the gofundme page soon after the fire. Today, the page has raised $30,822 showing Sutton maybe small, but has a big heart. 

While the last few months have been overwhelming for the family, the funds raised by the community have been difficult for the family to comprehend. 

“We’re embarrassed and overwhelmed,” Mel said. “After what happened, we were in need of nothing because of the community. Now, months after, that generosity hasn’t wavered and that’s hard to deal with.” 

“We don’t know how to thank people, it’s hard to find words good enough ... We just never expected this.”

On October 30, the Sutton community will host a Greenhalgh benefit Shopping Extravaganza at the School Hall from 12pm until 5pm, tickets $5 at the door.