Grandmother shares update on three children orphaned in Christmas Day crash
Seven months on from the horror car crash that claimed the lives of two parents that left their three children stranded and orphaned, their grandmother has shared an update on how the kids are coping with the loss of their parents.
On Christmas Day 2022, Jake Day, 28, and Cindy Braddock, 25, along with their three kids, Synthia, 5, Bevan, 2, and Charles, 1, were travelling on an isolated road in Western Australia when their Land Rover flipped.
Jake and Cindy were killed instantly, leaving the three kids stranded in the wreckage for almost three days in 30 degree heat before they were found.
Their grandmother, Jake's mother, has taken custody of the children, as has shared that they are all very aware of the devastating reality of the loss of their parents.
Speaking with Nine News, Ms Day said, "They all know everything, I think the fact of the way it all was, being there being in the car with mum and dad for those couple of days I think that's what maybe made it so real for them."
"We have our bad days, we've had quite a few bad days, but that's OK you just keep on keeping on."
Following the crash, young Synthia was given a bravery award for her actions after looking after her two young brothers in the hours and days after the crash that they were stranded.
Ms Day went on to say that the three children were her "sunshine", and thanked the community for their support, who donated more than $100,000 for the family in the aftermath of the tragic incident.
"(The money) bought a car, so I can get the kids around and there will be no more breaking down," said Ms Day.
"And the house so they've got a roof over their head and they're settled and we can be in one spot forever for them."
"No moving around anymore. This is their home town. Close to mum and dad. Where they should be."
But the property the children are living in is in dire need of repair, with the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom ceilings all needing urgent attention.
"I've never been one to ask for help, so it's hard for me to figure that one out - bathroom definitely needs a good going over, it's quite old," she said.
Ms Day is looking for help with tradie skills and materials, saying, "The foundations are there - some love and care - it will all come out so wonderful."
"It's all for the children, so they can have a nice easy life now."
Seven months on from the crash, the house is still filled with tributes and flowers to their parents.
"I'm hoping they're looking down, they're happy, they will be, so it will be all good," she said.
Anyone able and willing to help the family is encouraged to reach out via the email helpthedaykids@gmail.com.
Image credits: Nine News