A FAMILY who lost everything in a house fire a year ago this week say the tragedy showed them the true spirit of Christmas.

For many weeks after the blaze the d’Anna family received toys, clothes and furniture from anonymous Islanders who donated what they could to help them celebrate Christmas.

They were left with nothing after the blaze ripped through their home during the evening of 13 December.

Enzo and Carol, and their two boys Stefano (15) and Marco (12), were able to move back into their Craig Street home only at the end of October.

Before then they were staying with family and in hotels, holiday lets and rented accommodation.

But looking back over the year the couple believe the tragedy, which came close to claiming their lives, has shown them the true spirit of Christmas.

‘The kindness of the people of Jersey was unbelievable,’ said Mr d’Anna.

‘It was a tragedy for us to lose everything, but it showed us what the real spirit of Christmas is all about.

We are very lucky to be living in a place like Jersey.’ The day after the fire, Mrs d’Anna turned up for work at Marks and Spencer and was told to pick out clothes for herself, her husband and her children.

‘People were leaving things at the counter for me and not leaving their names.

Other people were leaving cheques and cash and we obviously have been unable to trace them and thank them.

‘Their generosity really helped us through a very difficult time.’