Hi my name is Lila and looking to raise some funds on behalf of my mum Tracey who lost everything in a deliberate fire last week in Perth. We are so grateful that she woke up and was able to escape with her life…. I have asked mum to write about what happened & a bit about her background below. Any support to help her back on her feet really would mean so much. Thanks

From Mum:

So towards the end of 2019 I cashed in a pension and bought myself a campervan.

I then spent awhile cursing myself for buying a vehicle I was way too petrified to drive.Nevertheless by the time the first uk lockdown hit I’d conquered my fears, done some decorating and moved in full time.

My goal wasn’t to go travelling, I had a full time job. I chose van life so I could have a home of my own whilst supporting my son as found his feet living independently. I also planned fun adventures with my grandsons.

Since then there has a few trips away and many happy times, with my trusty van proving to be a comfortable home and a safe haven.

Or so I thought ……..

Fast forward to 5th of April 2026, I woke up to strange popping noises coming from the front of my van and the back full of smoke! I grabbed my phone, turned on the torch, terrified of what I was going to find once outside.

At 02.50 in the morning it was pitch black, yet there was a strange glow from the front of the van. I took a few steps forward and was shattered to discover the cab was ablaze. I couldn’t believe it, I started to shake and struggled to breathe. My beloved home and everything in it was on fire.

I could barely speak to the 999 operator. After ending the call my fear only intensified when I looked closer and saw my side window had been smashed and a bottle full of liquid lay on my dashboard. There was a flaming cloth pushed in the bottle’s neck and this was the source of the fire. I suddenly realised this was a deliberate attack and here I was alone in the darkness, I was terrified!

Was someone watching, waiting? My mind couldn’t comprehend what was happening and I felt truly alone and vulnerable.

I was so relieved and grateful when I saw the flashing lights of the fire engine and police vehicles. Sadly though despite their best efforts my van could not be saved. The flames rushed through it, leaving me with only a burnt out shell and none of my possessions.

I had on pyjamas, slippers and was carrying my phone, those items were all I had left in a life of 62 years. I had not a single other thing!

To say I was in shock I don’t think would cover it fully. I didn’t know how to feel, I suppose as my family pointed out ‘you’re alive, thank god!’, gratitude was called for. I was, I am.

Nevertheless I had no idea how I could rebuild my life.

Ironically, though 2026 had been a hard year so far with numerous expensive van repairs and the death of my mum, I had thought things were looking up and May was going the start of better times.

The warmer days and some time off had given me time to work on the garden I’ve built on some wasteland next to where I park my van. This garden, project which I started a few years ago, has really been a source of solace to me through some dark periods. With the coming of spring the tidy up was done, last plants planted and I was all set for sunny days and nights away with my youngest grandsons.

Now the van’s gone, the trips are cancelled and my grandsons and I are devastated. It’s the thought of those lost opportunities that leaves me most heartbroken.

I can’t comprehend, as a person who tries to do good and help others, why someone would do something so cruel and heartless. So needless. Why just why?????

Now I’m getting to grips with starting from scratch and building a future, it will be a journey but somehow I’ll get there.

Any help would be SO appreciated ❤️

Mum and all her hard work turning wasteland into a beautiful garden & her van before the fire: