Community steps in after vandal attack on children's charity property
Volunteers and local tradespeople have mobilised to repair Donna's Dream house in Blackpool after intruders forced their way in and caused substantial internal damage. The property, run by the local charity that provides holidays for terminally ill young people, was found with its front door kicked in and the interior left badly damaged.
The charity issued a public appeal asking for help to restore the house and the response has been prompt. Builders, electricians, plumbers and other trades have offered both their time and materials free of charge to return the property to use.
"It is very emotional when it is so close to your heart,"
The founder and chairman of the charity, whose organisation was set up in memory of his daughter Donna, told BBC Radio Lancashire he had been left "very emotional" by the number of people who turned up to help. He said the holiday home was his daughter's wish and described the response to the appeal as "wonderful".
Background and previous attack
This is not the first time the site has been targeted. In 2011 an arson attack caused significant damage that was later estimated at £80,000. The charity said the latest incident involved intruders forcing entry and inflicting extensive damage to the inside of the building.
| Year | Incident | Reported impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Arson attack | Damage costing £80,000 |
| 2026 | Vandalism / forced entry | Front door kicked in; extensive internal damage |
What the repair effort involves
The appeal, which described the situation as a call for a "DIY SOS" style effort, has been supported by a range of helpers. Those taking part have provided materials or volunteered labour to address the immediate damage and make the house safe and usable again.
- Local tradespeople supplying time and materials free of charge
- Volunteers assisting with cleanup and refurbishment
- Charity coordinating restoration to return the house to holiday use
For residents and supporters, the repair work is not only about buildings and fittings but about preserving a community resource founded in memory of a young woman who died of cancer aged 20. The charity's aim remains to offer short breaks to terminally ill young people and their families, and organisers say restoring the property is a priority so that those services can continue.
Police were not quoted in the appeal details reported to media; the charity has focused on recovery and thanking those who have come forward to help. The founder said he was stunned by the breadth of support and determined to see the project returned to its original purpose as his daughter's legacy.
