A woman who was left homeless when a car crashed into her home is now working for the charity which helped her through the trauma.
Rebecca Hollingsworth has drawn on her experience to be able to empathise with others who find themselves in similar situations.
Rebecca was left "in limbo" after a car smashed through her living room wall in 2009, destroying her house.
To add insult to injury, thieves later clambered through the rubble and stole thousands of pounds worth of the family's belongings.
The incident happened at her home in Lindridge Lane, Desford, and the mother admits the stress of the situation was hard to cope with.
However, she also says the help of British Red Cross fire and emergency support service (Fess), which offered her advice and comfort at the scene, was invaluable.
So much so, she is now a volunteer with the charity – offering her own support, cups of tea and advice to victims of devastating incidents.
She said: "It definitely helps that I've been through the same thing. I can empathise with the victims and in most cases I know what to say.
"When that car came through our wall, we didn't know what to do.
"I think I was in shock and I really felt in limbo, but the support service took us into the van, gave us a drink and sent the firefighters into the house to look for my daughter's hamster.
"It was invaluable at the time and I just wanted to do something to help others in my position, so I signed up."
This year, Fess is celebrating its 10th year in service.
Rebecca, now of Whetstone, is one of the many volunteers who gives her time to attend emergencies and give practical support, including finding alternative accommodation.
"It's about offering emotional support, too – a shoulder to cry on," said the 35-year-old.
There is just one support van which operates in Leicestershire, and has been called out more than 500 times since its launch in 2003.
The specially-adapted vehicle is stationed at Western fire station, and is stocked with essential items such as hot drinks, food, clothing and toiletries.
Another volunteer, Stephen Denman, from Melton Mowbray, has been involved for nine years.
He said: "We're often there in the middle of the night and people are in shock, so we help to take the pressure off them by processing what has happened and by giving practical advice on what their next steps should be."
Fess is looking for more people to help out with the essential service.
Rebecca said: "I do 12 hours a week, but you can sign up to do just one afternoon a month if you want. It all helps."
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, or finding out more about the service, can contact Ashley Crowl on 0845 054 7171 or via e-mail at:
acrowl@redcross.org.uk
