A RETIRED couple left devastated by the loss of their beloved motorhome in a suspected arson attack have been overwhelmed by support from a man whose home was destroyed in two similar incidents.

Geoffrey and Carol Bowden’s motorhome was set alight on their driveway in Lambton Drive, Hetton-le-Hole, on Saturday.

The couple had packed their personal belongings and clothes inside the motorhome as they prepared for their first trip since lockdown.

Sean Ivey, whose house was destroyed in a suspected arson attacks in Wingate, near Peterlee,was moved to donated to an online fundraiser set up to help the couple replace their motorhome.

Mr Bowden said: “We keep on breaking down when we think of it. Motorhoming has been part of our lives for 28 years. It was our pride and joy.

“If it had not have been for me having to go to hospital for an eye operation we would have gone away on the Friday."

Mrs Bowden said: "We heard rails rattling outside on Saturday and dashed upstairs to see if we could see anything. All you could see was flames."

Mr Bowden got out a hosepipe and tried to put the flames before the fire brigade arrived, but there was nothing they could do to save it.

He said: "We are still counting the costs. We also lost a lot of things of sentimental value from over the years, which are simply irreplacable and which we cherished."

The couple, both 77, have spent six months of the year travelling all over the UK and Europe.

An online fundraiser with the target of £1,000 was set up by granddaughter Dionne Talbot to raise money for the couple.

M Ivey, visited the Bowdens and donated £500 to help exceed their £1,000 target just days after the campaign was launched.

Mrs Bowden said: “We were really touched that he came to see us and offer us words of comfort and made a contribution to the go fund . It was very kind of him. He has lost a great deal more than what we have.”

Mr Ivey said : “My heart just bleeds for them. When I saw what happened to them I wanted to go over and share my heartfelt sympathy, have being through what they are going through.

“They are a really nice couple. They have lost their pride and joy. It is just shocking.

A fundraising appeal for Mr Ivey raised more than £250,000 after his home and car were completely destroyed by flames.

Four people were arrested as part of the investigation.

Northumbria Police said an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the motorhome fire, which is currently being treated as suspected arson.

A spokesperson added: “Anybody with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 1377 170421.”