People across South Kilkenny, Waterford City and beyond have rallied in support following a devastating fire which destroyed a beloved family home before Christmas.
On the afternoon of Sunday December 15th, the home in The Rower, South Kilkenny of Waterford teacher Mary Roche and her 83-year-old mother Maisie was destroyed in a huge fire.
They lost all their belongings and were left homeless as a result.
"It's an old house. The fire took hold and just took off. It was so fast," Mary told WLR this week.
"If this had happened at night, we would have perished."
Mary Roche (left) with her friend and colleague Maricarmen Postigo (right).
Mary outlined the scale of the damage caused.
"There's nothing left," she said. "There may be things downstairs but we can't get into the house because it's still dangerous. Everything that was upstairs is completely gone."
Mary is a teacher at Waterford College of Further Education (WCFE), and her colleagues sprang into action to assist her as did many friends and neighbours.
Now, almost €50,000 has been raised through fundraising efforts.
Mary, who is currently living in a camper van, describes the support as "amazing" and says it's like "a big warm hug".
Among the supporters is Mary's WCFE colleague Maricarmen Postigo.
"There is nothing as powerful as coming together as one to support a cause," says Maricarmen.
"Coming together to support one another is what life is all about."
You can hear more from Mary and Maricarmen on air on WLR this week
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