On Thursday 13th April I got a phone call that left me collapsed with that shaky, weak feeling in my legs , "Newhouse is on fire, it's burning down".

Newhouse Hall has been our family home since 1974, I was 4 years old when we moved into a cold, drafty, leaky almost-condemmed building.

Now, some people looking at the Elizabethan manor house might imagine that the people who live there come from money & that this is their family mansion. And I'd understand why - it's an impressive looking place (well - it was until last Thursday!) However, the truth is very different. Back in 1973, My mum, Daz, heard that there was a neglected, historic building in Huddersfield at risk of being bulldozed & supported by Ken, my dad, started a fight to preserve this building that has lasted her entire life. My dad was a teacher & my mum a cleaner (definitely not an upper-crust family!)

I remember holes in the roof, glass missing from the windows, no heating - buckets dotted around my bedroom to catch the rainwater & getting dressed under the covers because it was so cold.

Daz has made Newhouse Hall her entire life's work, pouring heart, soul and every available bit of money into it, in later years with Christoph, my stepdad. She has fought tooth & nail to preserve, conserve & renovate this Grade 2* listed house. My brother & his wife moved in 12 years ago and now there are 3 nephews & nieces there, and a new baby due in June. They support & continue Daz's work; renovating the oak panelled rooms & ornate plaster ceilings.

Newhouse Hall has been the centre of our family & friend's life - births, christenings, funerals, weddings, parties - but more than that, it has always been a place open to others - many school parties, history societies, individuals and groups have been welcomed with open hearts

The house is insured, but the fire has damaged it beyond belief, more help will be needed to renovate and rebuild so the house's history can start a new chapter.