A CEREDIGION mum who lost everything in a caravan fire earlier this month has thanked her brave neighbours who helped to save her house.

Moya Nicolaysen was living in a caravan on her plot of land in Talgarreg where she has spent the last five years creating and building her dream home on the land.

On March 11, she had gone shopping at Parc Trostre in Llanelli after work. After around an hour of shopping – shortly after 3pm, she was called by a neighbour to say that her caravan was on fire.

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The caravan was completely destroyed, as was most of the storage container which held all her furniture ready to move into the new house once it was finished.

The fire even damaged part of the roof of the house, which was able to be saved thanks to the quick thinking of her neighbours.

“My neighbour Alwyn Evans had run across and pulled the gas bottle away from the caravan. If that went, it would have blown up the house and part of next door,” Ms Nicolaysen told the Tivyside.

Alwyn and his son Ifan rushed to the roof of the house and were using buckets to put it out while more neighbours – Rhydian Jones and Aaron – helped to supply the water.

“Alwyn said that he didn’t want me to lose the house,” said Ms Nicolaysen. “He’s a bit of a hero really.”

Luckily, her cats and dogs were able to get out unharmed and Ms Nicolaysen is full of praise for those who have helped.

“I just want to say thank you to the fire brigade and everyone who helped me. It really restores your faith in humanity.”

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Ms Nicolaysen is currently staying with her daughters, who have set up a GoFundMe page to help towards the cost of the furniture.

“I didn’t know they set it up,” she said. “I want to thank those who have already donated as it means a lot, especially with people struggling for money at this time.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called at 3.04pm. A spokesperson said: “On arrival, one static caravan was well alight, and the fire had spread to a nearby bungalow and storage container. 

“The caravan was completely destroyed by fire.”