Founder 'emotional' as children's holiday home repaired
BBCThe founder of a holiday home for terminally ill children that was vandalised has said he feels "very emotional" after people turned up to help repair it.
Len Curtis, founder and chairman of charity Donna's Dream house, Blackpool, said intruders had kicked down the door and caused extensive damage to the inside of the building.
The charity sent out a "DIY SOS" appeal for help and it has been answered by trades people and volunteers, giving their time and materials for free.
Curtis, who set up the charity after his daughter Donna died of cancer aged 20, said he was stunned by the "wonderful" people giving labour and materials for free. It had been his daughter's wish to create a holiday home.
The site was also hit by an arson attack in 2011, which caused damage costing £80,000.
Curtis told BBC Radio Lancashire: "We never expected to see this type of reaction for getting it back on again.
"It is very emotional when it is so close to your heart.
"This was my daughter's legacy and to see it destroyed again was very, very emotional."
The 78-year-old explained: "Donna's Dream house couldn't survive without this help.
"This obviously shows how much it is loved in the community.
"We've had a building company come with materials, plumbers, roofers, and security men from local entertainment venues have also come to help.
"Someone has set up a stall on the promenade to raise money.
"It is so so heart-warming. A local cafe has donated all their takings to us as well.
"We are so grateful."
Curtis said the charity had not contacted the police as they had CCTV footage of the perpetrators, who appeared "vulnerable".
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