AFTER a home break-in a Rockingham family have had their faith restored in people thanks to the joint efforts of a police officer and a local family-owned business.
Caitlin Hall and her daughter Chloe Colquhoun (10) had both been asleep in their beds when their home was broken into and among the items stolen was Chloe’s iPad.
When Rockingham Police Community Engagement Officer Sergeant Paul Trimble went to check on the pair after the break-in he discovered that Chloe was unfortunately a regular at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“I was shocked when Paul dropped in to see how we were going. I told him about Chloe having thyroid cancer along with some other medical issues,” Ms Hall said.
“I told him how I had saved for the iPad that she used in hospital.
“With Chloe being sick and so much on my mind I had let the insurance lapse so I had no cover for the things that were stolen.”
Before she knew it Sgt Trimble had ‘conspired’ with Paul Newcombe of Betta Electrical Rockingham who agreed to help.
“Paul (Trimble) told me that a local family-run business would donate a new iPad for Chloe and Telstra would reconnect the internet for us” she said.
“I cried, but they were happy tears.
“I couldn’t believe the generosity of this local business – I just want to thank them so very much.
“I’m just a single mum doing the best by my daughter.
“Paul (Trimble) has been amazing; he went to Chloe’s school and spoke to her class – it’s helped her to not be afraid to go to school.
“Rockingham Police and the detectives have been absolutely amazing.”
Mr Newcombe said helping others aligned with his values.
“Paul Trimble has known us for a long time and asked if we could help,” he said.
“Basically this family business has always had a culture of giving so we were happy to help.
“We feel blessed to be able to help this young family – Chloe and Caitlin in the community.”
Rockingham Detectives are investigating the matter and expect to lay charges related to burglary in the near future.
MORE: WA ideal home for Australian National Space Agency
MORE: Man dies after car crashes into house in Waikiki
MORE: As Perth Children’s Hospital opens, we look back at Princess Margaret Hospital