A DARLINGTON family has revealed their devastation after a fire ripped through their home, leaving nothing left and a burnt out shell.

Karina Cawley, who is mother to 17-month-old Luka-Simon, has been left counting the costs after the fire on Bobbin Crescent on Sunday.

It is understood that remedial work could take more than a year after the house was left gutted by the ferocious fire.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Ms Cawley described her shock, although said she was thankful nobody was injured.

Read more: Firefighters at Darlington house fire that leaves home without a roof or windows

She said: “I’m still in shock. I’m devastated. I’ve lost everything. I’ve lost so many sentimental things like my baby’s first blanket. All I’ve got now is what I’m wearing.”

The 25-year-old mother-of-one said how she is now staying with her mother while she arranges alternative accommodation.

The Northern Echo: What 5 Bobbin Crescent looked like the day after the fire. Picture: AJA DODDWhat 5 Bobbin Crescent looked like the day after the fire. Picture: AJA DODD

She said: “I’m just overwhelmed with it all. I don’t know how this could happen. We only moved in last June and I loved living here.

"I get on with all the neighbours and they’ve been really nice and supportive but I just can’t believe everything in the house is gone."

Since Sunday, the community have shown an outpouring of support with a fundraising page set up to help with the costs.

She said: “Everyone’s been really nice though and donated stuff."

The Northern Echo: No belongings in the house were salvageable. Picture: AMANDA BEANNo belongings in the house were salvageable. Picture: AMANDA BEAN

Read more: Darlington dad hits out after son, 12, hit by car and driver fails to tell police

Amanda Bean, Karina’s mother, said: “I wasn’t there when it happened but it’s awful. I’m in shock myself to be honest. I can’t believe this could happen.”

Becca Hadden, Karina’s partner, was present when the fire started.

She said: “I just knew I had to get Luka and the dog and get out.”

The Northern Echo: What the back yard of 5 Bobbin Crescent looked like after the fire had been put out. Picture: AMANDA BEANWhat the back yard of 5 Bobbin Crescent looked like after the fire had been put out. Picture: AMANDA BEAN

Ms Cawley said: “It was all over in five minutes really. It happened so fast. We just got the baby and the dog and ran out the house. It was awful.

“It is devastating. Obviously I'm glad no one was hurt but we've lost everything that was in the house. It'll take about a year to repair the damage.”

Two crowdfunding pages have been set up to help the family get back on their feet. To donate, click here, or here.

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