IN the darkest days of the Atkins' lives, the kindness of strangers has proved a beacon of light.
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Tony Atkins is the great-uncle of Matylda, Scarlett and Blake, the three children who died in a Singleton housefire this week.
"It's shocking, it's a nightmare," the Tamworth greyhound trainer told the Leader.
"I broke down [on Thursday] pretty bad, it really hit me and it's been really hard.
"They've lost everything, everything they own is gone, they've got nothing."
The tragedy unfolded when neighbours saw Chris and Kara Atkins' Brittliffe Close home was engulfed in flames about 3:30am on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old mother is still in John Hunter Hospital with burns to her back and face.
"Her ear is all charcoal," Mr Atkins said.
"She has a screen over her face and can't stand the light, she can hardly talk."
Kara and eight-year-old Bayley were pulled from the blaze by neighbours and rushed to hospital.
Tragically, the body of 11-year-old Blake was found in the home.
His sisters, twins Matylda and Scarlett, were taken to Singleton Hospital but sadly died from their injuries.
The weight of the horror is unbearable, but what's helped the family put one foot in front of the other is the outpouring of support from neighbours, friends and complete strangers.
A GoFundMe set up by a friend has already raised more than $195,000 for the Atkins.
"The family are so appreciative of the support, the money is a token gesture but behind every dollar there's a lot of heartfelt feelings," Mr Atkins said.
"We really appreciate what's going on, on behalf of Kara, Bayley and Chris, it's about them and their life going forward which is going to be a terrible mess.
"They will never, ever get over this."
Young Blake is remembered as an avid supporter of the Manly Sea Eagles.
The club will wear black armbands in the match against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday in memory of him.
He is remembered by his family as 'a real good kid', 'obliging' and 'helpful' while the twin girls were 'happy in their own little world'.
The ordeal has been a reminder there are a lot of good people out there, Mr Atkins said.
"It's unbelievable what people have done," he said.
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Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
