A YOUNG New Quay woman whose family were left homeless when fire swept through their farmhouse has issued a heartfelt message of thanks to the caring community which has rallied round.

The Evans family, of Ty Rhos, Maenygroes, lost a wealth of cherished possessions in the blaze on 23 August and estimate it will take around a year for the mid-nineteenth century property to be restored.

Carys Evans, 21, who lived at Ty Rhos with mum and dad Helen and Andy, and brother Lewys, said they were particularly upset at the loss of Shadow, their elderly tom cat, who was overcome by smoke during the daytime blaze which broke out while the family were away from home.

Speaking to the Cambrian News, she said: “It has been an awful experience. We lost photos of great sentimental value and furniture which belonged to my great-grandparents – stuff you just cannot replace.

“And to lose Shadow as well was horrible, although we took some comfort from the fact he looked like he’d just gone to sleep.

“He was such a part of the family and the way that he went was just heartbreaking.

“All this happened during the day when none of us were home, luckily. The house went up very fast, we lost the roof and my mum and dad’s bedroom is now pretty non-existent.”

See this week’s South Ceredigion edition for the full story, in shops and online now