A mum in Cornwall has been left devastated after losing everything in a suspected arson attack on her caravan. Kathryn Wills, 44, and her son Leo, 4, were luckily unharmed in the incident as they were staying elsewhere at the time.
However, everything in their home was ruined by the fire, including Leo’s Christmas presents which he had received just days before the suspected arson on December 29. Kathryn said they have been left with “absolutely nothing” and now have to rebuild their lives.
“When I found out about the fire, I was absolutely devastated,” she told CornwallLive. “I work full time as a nurse and it’s just me and my son and everything I have ever worked for was in that caravan. Not only that but Leo’s Christmas presents from family and friends were in there, so it all went up in flames.”
Kathryn had lived in her caravan in Trispen, near Truro, for five years and had worked hard to make it her home. Unfortunately, she said she did not have any insurance on her caravan, so cannot replace everything she has lost.
“We can’t go back there until everything is cleared and then we need to rebuild our lives but we don’t know where to start,” Kathryn said. “It’s soul destroying really. I had made [the caravan] my own. I had a little conservatory on the side with a wood burner and a shed outside but it’s all been destroyed in the fire.
Kathryn Wills lost everything in her home in the suspected arson
(Image: Kathryn Wills)
“My son keeps asking if his Eeyore is burnt because he’s had it since he was born and I have had to tell him it is and that everything is gone. It has affected him quite a lot.”
Kathryn has now set up a GoFundMe fundraising page to help raise money to clear up the site before she is able to replace their belongings. So far, it has raised nearly £2,000 of her £10,000 target, which Kathryn said she is very grateful for.
“The money is going to help with the huge task of clearing up as we need skips, diggers and many hands,” she explained. “It’s the first step to rebuilding our lives but I’m looking to see if anyone would donate a caravan or any bits and pieces really. I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s support and it’s given me great faith in humanity.”
To donate to Kathryn’s fundraiser, visit her GoFundMe page, here.
Devon and Cornwall Police has confirmed that a man has been charged with arson following the alleged incident.
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