THE Ellacombe fire appeal is today being officially wound up, having raised a staggering £15,000 to help the Wojak family.

Gill and Michael Wojak and their son Ricky settled into their new Sanctuary Housing home in the Barton area just before Christmas.

Daughter Stephanie, 15, and Ben McAuliffe, eight, died in the blaze at their Ellacombe house in October.

The family, who were rescued from the inferno in Ellacombe Church Road, lost everything.

An 'army' of helpers have rallied around the family including the Royal British Legion and the Devon and Dorset Association, as Mike had served in the army in Northern Ireland, and the Citizens Advice Bureau. The three organisations helped the family organise their new home, replacing everything from clothing to crockery and driving licences and passports, and also providing much-needed moral support.

Major Don Jellard, who runs the Devonshire and Dorset Regimental Association at The Rifles' Exeter office in Wyvern Barracks, said: "Gill and Mike are so grateful for everything they have been given. They didn't ask for new, they were delighted to be offered donated furniture and household goods as well as the money raised. They are not demanding people, which is why I think everyone worked that much harder for them.

"But the generosity shown towards them from people right across the Bay has been fantastic. I have been speaking highly of what has been achieved for them everywhere I go."

John Pentreath, RBL Devon county manager, said: "We don't often see such examples of the best of human nature, but the generosity and compassion that the Herald Express has managed to stimulate from the people of South Devon has been second to none; out of tragedy has come a large ray of sunshine in the way everyone has responded."

The Wojak's were one of around 40 welfare cases that the 90-strong Paignton Royal British Legion branch dealt with last year. Kevin Jeffery, chairman, who was heavily involved in co-ordinating the help for the Wojak's explained: "The Wojak family is but one of many cases dealt with in Paignton, Torbay and beyond. I must say of all the cases I have dealt with in the past two years, the Wojak's case was probably the most traumatic.

"However, after meeting them I was impressed by their resilience at such a difficult time."

The Wojaks recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Mike has returned to work for Thames Water and Gill has been supported by friends and neighbours while he is away. Son Ricky has made new friends in their new home as well as renewed friendships from before the fire.

Riviera Housing Trust is clearing the wrecked Ellacombe house with the aim of starting repair works in the not too distant future.

Any final donations can be paid into the Ellacombe Fire Fund this week at NatWest bank (account no 74677489, sort code 55-70-01).