A pregnant Mum whose home burnt down just eight weeks before she's due to give birth to twins has praised heroic firefighters and thanked the family and friends for all their support.
Finglas native Victoria Deegan had her life turned upside down when she got a call that her apartment went up in flames while she was collecting her kids from school on Monday evening.
The 35-year-old raced back to see firefighters battling the blaze as it swept through the apartment in the Seagrove area of Charlestown.
Heroic officers raced into the home to save Buddy the dog who had been trapped under a bed in one of the rooms.
Pictures from the scene show an emotional Victoria with Buddy and her brother Jonathan who she's now staying with.
Speaking to Dublin Live, Victoria said "it couldn't happen at a worse time" as she due to give birth to a set of twins in just eight weeks.
She said: "On the bright side, everyone is safe, and that's what really matters.
"I couldn't thank the firefighters enough. They're amazing people. They took our feelings into consideration and risked their lives to get the dog.
"I can't thank them enough."
Victoria also revealed that her late mother's ashes survived the fire, and so did her treasured family photos.
She added: "I haven't gone through it yet because I'm pregnant I can't go inside. I saved some clothes.
"My mother's ashes were there and they were fine. Her jewellery got burned but I'll keep it anyway.
"My photos were safe, which was great because those type of things you care about the most."
The community has now banded together to help the family with many donating to a GoFundMe set up by her sister-in law- Joanne .
Proud Victoria says she's felt embarrassed getting the donations, but that she's extremely appreciative for the effort people are making.
She said: "I've never asked anyone for anything, I don't even know what a GoFundMe is my sister-in-law Joanne made it, but the fact that people are willing to help me, I really appreciate it.
"Family members and the community have been great. People have been texting and asking me do I need anything.
"I feel embarrassed with it all, but I'm very grateful for everything people are doing."
