Kotara house fire survivor Ray Jolliffe thanks the people who helped him get through it

Here, in a touching tribute, he gives thanks.

My wife Gail: Thank you for saving our grandchild Sienna and our two dogs Nelson and Jasper. Thank you for standing by me during this horrific time.

My granddaughter Sienna: So strong, my best mate, who believed I had been caught in the fire.

My four children: Matt, Michelle, Naomi, Katie. For standing by my wife and me and taking care and looking after us during this terrible time. We would not have been able to get through this without your love, help and understanding. We are so grateful to have such wonderful children and their partners, Lisa and Aaron.

My eight grandchildren: Thank you to my dearest grandchildren. Their love and kindness makes the next day something I can look forward to.

Mark O'Toole [Ray's neighbour, who saved him]: How do you thank someone who was so insistent that it was time to leave the hallway. This person I did not know or have not seen before pulled the back of my shirt and kept yelling, 'It is time to go, we have to get out now'. This neighbour was saying I had to go and see Sienna, my granddaughter, as she thought I had been caught in the fire. If this neighbour had not followed the hose up the stairs and found me in the hallway, I truly believe I would not have left there. I would still be trying to put out the fire. You are a hero. My life is yours. I now know your name, Mark O'Toole.

RELATED READING:

Sarah and Jess: The two beautiful young girls who looked after and held my granddaughter Sienna so tight and comforted her with blankets and love at this dreadful time. We are truly grateful. Thank you.

The doctor: He was so insistent to make sure I was not injured and was OK. Thank you so much for your concern, as I was not a good patient. I now know your name. Thank you, Dr Mohammed.

The firefighters: Thank you for putting your lives in danger to put the fire in my home out. The fireman who fell over near my vehicle, running with large fire hoses. I hope you were not injured. I went to help you. Another fireman said he would help him, as this "goes with the job". To all the brave firefighters, I am indebted to you for what you have done to try and save my home. All of my family thanks you all so much. You are so brave.

Paramedics and medical staff: Thank you to the ambulance staff who looked after my burnt arm and foot, you were so caring and so kind. To all the paramedics who attended that night, thank you. We are so grateful.

Police: To the police officers on duty at the fire, thank you for keeping everybody safe and for your kindness and help the next day. I will always be grateful for your help.

Leo and his wife: Thank you both. You are truly great friends. Your shirt and NRMA jacket kept me warm that night.

Don, Mila and Freya: Thank you for all your support. Also your three beautiful sausage dogs. Freya, the letter you left in our letter box to Sienna was beautiful. Sienna loves it. You are so kind.

All my neighbours: How can I thank you all, caring so much for my wife, granddaughter Sienna and our two dogs Nelson and Jasper. You all will always be in our hearts forever.

Nurse Georgia at John Hunter Hospital: You are so kind and caring. Thank you for your concern and support that night.

The lady at John Hunter Hospital: The lady who bought me a cup of coffee at the emergency department, as I had no money. It was the best cup of coffee I have ever had. Thank you.

Hunter School of the Performing Arts: Our deepest thank you for looking after our granddaughter Sienna. The love and ongoing caring from all the teachers and students has been immeasurable.

The marching band family: The support, love and understanding from all the children and teachers has been incredible. From our hearts, thank you. Kylie (Mrs G), we love you.

The news reporters: Thank you for your support, kind words and the courtesy you showed me and my family throughout this terrible time.

Empathy: To all the families who have lost their homes in bushfires and other horrific circumstances, I only now truly understand the horror of the devastation, grief and hopelessness that you have felt. I understand the feelings of grief as you watch your home being destroyed and there is nothing you can do. My wife Gail, my granddaughter Sienna and our two loved dogs Nelson and Jasper survived the night of terror with the help of many people. Some of those people we had never met. Thank you, beyond words, thank you.

Families: To all the families and all the kind people who we do not know or have never met, thank you for all your gifts, kind words and prayers. From the bottom of our hearts, you will be in our thoughts every day, always forever. You are truly beautiful human beings.

Children: To all the children who have sent their love to Sienna, you have given my granddaughter the will to go on.

God bless you all.

IN NEWS TODAY:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: