THE devastation of Toodyay’s fire was too close to home for Perth Demons footballer Michael Patching.
His family home was one of the 37 that went up in flames, leaving a damage bill estimated at $350,000.
The 20-year-old full-forward had lived at the Stirlingia Drive property for almost six years and said he struggled to come to terms with the disaster.
“It didn’t hit me until a few days later when I went up and saw what was left of the home,” Michael said.
“You think everything can be replaced, but when you’re faced with the remains you start to rethink things like your medallions and guernseys that can’t be bought.
“I remember talking to mum on the phone and she mentioned the fire was coming up – I didn’t think too much of it at the time.
“Dad said they had to evacuate to the oval because our home might be taken by the fire – by Thursday morning he said we’d lost our property.”
Michael said his parents were distraught, shocked and heartbroken, but added the important thing was everyone – including his sister and two dogs – had escaped the fire unharmed.
“As difficult as those fires were, we’re in the process of re-building a new property at the moment along the same block,” he said.
“It won’t deter us away from the town because Toodyay has given us so much – it really shows you the generosity of others at a time like this.”
Michael said the public had given his family furniture, brand new queen-sized beds and fridges containing food.
“Perth footy club has also organised a Busy Bee , so members from the club, the Toodyay Football Club and my family are heading up to clean up what’s left of our home,” he said.
“Everyone’s been great and it’s really helped us over the past few weeks.”
The Demons have also organised a “Patching Family Quiz Night” for February 11.
For more details, call the club on 9362 4499. All funds raised will go to the Patching family.