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Gift of Christmas

Katie Fitzpatrick
21/12/2007

A FAMILY of five made homeless after their flat was flooded have received a welcome boost for Christmas.

Celestine Segemani, his pregnant wife Pierette and their young three children were forced to move out of their ground floor flat in Lower Falinge following a leak from a flat above which soaked their home and left them without electricity.

The family, who are originally from the Congo and have lived in Rochdale for five years, were told by the fire service that it was not safe to stay in the property.

Celestine, Pierette, 10-year-old Benedicte, three-year-old Grace and 18-month-old Faith were provided with temporary accommodation by Rochdale Council’s homeless service.

They stayed with friends while repairs were carried out on their Rochdale Boroughwide Housing home, which suffered damage to the walls, floors and kitchen units.

The family was relieved to move back into the flat last week after the repairs were carried.

To put a smile back on their faces following the ordeal, the Observer has shown the family that the spirit of Christmas is truly alive and well in their town.

In the run-up to Christmas we appealed to local businesses to provide a treasure trove of festive treats – and we were bowled over by their generosity.

Heroes in Norden has given the family a fully stocked hamper packed with a turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas puddings, smoked cashew nuts, goose fat, various condiments including cranberry sauce and brandy butter, sparkling wine and red and white wine.

All In One Garden Centre has donated a real Christmas tree and a nativity scene.

Their gifts are all the more special because it is Pierette’s 27th birthday on Christmas day and it was Benedicte’s 10th birthday at the start of the month.

Pierette, who is expecting their fourth child in June, said: "We will stay at home as a family on Christmas day and enjoy our gifts. It is always more special with children."

Celestine added: "This will give us a good Christmas.

"It has been a good surprise."

Resettlement worker John Tierney, who put us in touch with the family, said: "This is a joyous event and it compensates for the sadness in life.

"This gift is a great bonus and it helps the family."