In the early hours of this morning, April 26th 2025, tragedy struck one of the kindest families in our community and my long time neighbours — Andrew and Natalie Smith. A family of five who have called this neighbourhood home for decades — lost everything in a devastating house fire.

At 4am, one of their brave young sons woke the family with just enough time to escape. Thanks to his quick thinking, their lives were saved — but in under an hour, their entire world was reduced to ash.

They have been part of our community for decades. Many of you would know Nat — she’s an incredible mum and a brilliant hairdresser who’s looked after so many of us over the years. Her home salon was not only her pride and joy, but also a huge part of their household income. Losing it has hit them hard.

They’re the kind of people who’d give you the shirt off their back, and right now, they don’t have any shirts left to give.

A friend and I hit the shops today, just trying to cover the basics — clothes, shoes, toiletries — and it barely made a dent. The road ahead for them is going to be long and expensive, and they need our help.

If you can spare anything — no matter how small — it will go straight towards helping them get back on their feet. Every little bit counts. And if you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world.

Let’s show them that they’re not alone — that their community is behind them, and that we’ve got their back, just like they’ve always had ours.

Thank you so much.

Update: Charlestown Leagues have also set up a funding page now too.

Support where and how you like it all goes to this amazing family.