A family of four were inches from death after a huge, falling tree destroyed their home during the kids’ bath time.
It crashed onto the property smashing through the roof and the whole upstairs.
Emily Hotchkiss, partner Shaun and two children Lottie, three, and Alfie, six, had to flee after the calamity.
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Glass, leaves and dust flew through the house.
Kind neighbours helped the family evacuate along with their dog, cat and bearded dragon.
The family is now relying on the community in Falmouth, Cornwall, to help them survive.
“I was bathing my children aged three and six when the wind started to pick up and loud bangs were heard on our downstairs window where huge branches were falling off the tree,” nurse, Emily, 30, told, Need To Know.
“I was taking the children downstairs when there was one particularly loud bang from a branch.
“Shaun said he was going to check on our neighbour next door.
“Within three minutes of him leaving I had a horrible sense to push my children into the space under the stairs with our labrador.
“Then I started running upstairs to get our cat.
“I made it to the top of the landing when I heard glass smashing, the wind coming through the house, dust flying and wood.
“Suddenly there was this massive crash, the tree literally fell through the house.
“I was just screaming and ran downstairs but couldn’t see anything – dust was in my eyes.
“My little boy was screaming and we huddled near the dog cage with the tree branches nearly impaling us.
“Shaun came back unsure if he would find us dead or alive.
“We then just ran outside screaming and crying with our neighbours help.
“I just grabbed our bearded dragon but could not get the cat.
“Luckily I was able to rescue him the next day
“Our cat and dog are now staying with our family members.
“We are completely traumatised.
“I cannot eat or sleep.
“My son, who is awaiting a neurodiversity assessment, cannot cope.
“He has been head banging and crying and saying, ‘stupid tree’.
“It was truly horrific.
“We have stared death in the face and the psychological damage is going to take a long time to recover from.”
Emily added: “Cornwall Housing are trying very hard to support us.
“We are in temporary accommodation but cannot move into a new property until March.”
The damage is so severe the house may need to be demolished.
The family moved in December 2023 and poured their savings into renovations.
But Emily added she hadn’t been able to afford contents insurance at the damaged property.
She said: “We take full accountability for not having renters or content insurance.
“This is my own fault as at the end of the month with what money is left the choice has been food or insurance.
“I chose food for my children.
“We both work but money is always tight as it is for many.
“We know January is a difficult month for so many so we are overwhelmed with the love and support shown to us.”
A friend set up a GoFundMe page to help the stricken family after the tragedy last Thursday (7 Jan) at 7pm during Storm Goretti.
Emily added: “I was ashamed and embarrassed that people were having to donate to us.
“We are using donations to replace some of the items my children have lost and to buy them clothes we escaped with.
“I have to say a huge thank you to our families, friends and our wider community who are standing beside us
“Words cannot express how thankful we are.”
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