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Man arrested over horror crash that left 11-year-old orphaned

<p>A British man has been arrested over a horror crash that left an 11-year-old girl orphaned. </p> <p>Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller have died alongside their two young daughters Rubie, 9, and Lillie, four, when their car collided with a motorbike as the family were travelling home from a walk on Sunday. </p> <p>Christopher Barton, 56, and his wife Janine, 48, who were on the motorbike were also both killed.</p> <p>The couple's son, Lewis, 21 has now been left without his parents, along with Shane and Shannen's 11-year-old daughter Poppie. </p> <p>Shocking pictures taken after the horror crash between Barnsley and Wakefield in northern England, showed the burnt out wreckage of the family's car, who were all declared dead at the scene. </p> <p>Police have confirmed a man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, according to <em>The Sun</em>. </p> <p>Poppie managed to escape the tragic accident because she had gone to a friend's house for dinner, and Lewis was on holiday in Thailand when he found out about his parents death. </p> <p>The 11-year-old was being looked after by family friend, Paul Hepple, at the time, and he said that they were just tucking into a roast dinner when the phone rang with the devastating news. </p> <p>“Her mum actually contacted us and asked if we could watch her because she didn’t want to go on the walk that they went on,” he told <em>Mail Online</em>.</p> <p>“She was with our daughter having fun. And on their way home, that’s when the accident happened.</p> <p>“We were having Sunday dinner as a family, and Poppie's aunty was with us and obviously, Poppie was as well. And then she got a phone call and she ended up leaving really quickly to go and see what happened.”</p> <p>Hepple, has set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-poppie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page for Poppie and has raised almost £380,000 (about $745,000 Australian dollars) to put towards her education, emotional support and future care. </p> <p>The family friend has described Poppie as a “bright and resilient young girl” who has turned to Taylor Swift’s music to find comfort after she “lost her whole world in an instant”.</p> <p>“Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day,” he wrote on the fundraiser.</p> <p>“Poppie now faces an uncertain future. With her immediate family gone, she needs support to ensure she has a stable, loving environment where she can heal and grow.”</p> <p>Shannen and Shane's devastated friends and family have shared their tributes on social media, vowing to look after Poppie. </p> <p>Shane’s brother Callum said he was “lost for words”, adding: “I’m absolutely heartbroken. I’m gonna miss all of you! You all had a heart of gold. My heart is ripped into a million pieces!”</p> <p>Shannen's friend Chelsea Element wrote: “You are and always will be one of my closest friends.</p> <p>“There are no words to describe the utter loss this has created for family/friends and the community around us. I hope you’re at peace Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller, with your beautiful girls.</p> <p>“Everyone will always look after Poppie, she will never want for anything she has the love of everyone.”</p> <p>Her cousin Beth Brittain said: “My heart just hurts my brain won’t accept what’s happened.</p> <p>“Shannen you were always my extra sister not just my cousin, we grew together. I just can’t speak. No words. Sleep tight my little Roller family your memory will live on for eternity.”</p> <p>Christopher and Janine’s son Lewis, is believed to have flown home immediately after finding out about his parents death. </p> <p>The couple had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, according to West Yorkshire Police, and they were just 20 minutes from home when the devastating accident occurred. </p> <p>In a tribute released through the police, the couple were described by their son as “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else”.</p> <p>Superintendent Alan Travis of Wakefield District Police has urged anyone who has dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage of the car to contact them and assist with their investigation. </p> <p>They have also issued a public plea for anyone who saw a grey coloured Porsche 911 at the time of the crash to come forward. </p> <p>“This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives," the Superintendent said. </p> <p>“Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.”</p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au</em></p> <p> </p>

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Grandmother shares update on three children orphaned in Christmas Day crash

<p>Seven months on from the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/orphaned-children-leave-hospital-after-nightmare-christmas-day-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">horror car crash</a> that claimed the lives of two parents that left their three children stranded and orphaned, their grandmother has shared an update on how the kids are coping with the loss of their parents.</p> <p>On Christmas Day 2022, Jake Day, 28, and Cindy Braddock, 25, along with their three kids, Synthia, 5, Bevan, 2, and Charles, 1, were travelling on an isolated road in Western Australia when their Land Rover flipped. </p> <p>Jake and Cindy were killed instantly, leaving the three kids stranded in the wreckage for almost three days in 30 degree heat before they were found. </p> <p>Their grandmother, Jake's mother, has taken custody of the children, as has shared that they are all very aware of the devastating reality of the loss of their parents. </p> <p>Speaking with <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/kondinin-crash-update-three-children-orphaned-tradie-skills-materials-help-house-repair-western-australia/ffa8e77d-28b3-45c4-a22b-79973688b573" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Nine News</em></a>, Ms Day said, "They all know everything, I think the fact of the way it all was, being there being in the car with mum and dad for those couple of days I think that's what maybe made it so real for them."</p> <p>"We have our bad days, we've had quite a few bad days, but that's OK you just keep on keeping on."</p> <p>Following the crash, young Synthia was given a bravery award for her actions after looking after her two young brothers in the hours and days after the crash that they were stranded.</p> <p>Ms Day went on to say that the three children were her "sunshine", and thanked the community for their support, who donated more than $100,000 for the family in the aftermath of the tragic incident. </p> <p>"(The money) bought a car, so I can get the kids around and there will be no more breaking down," said Ms Day.</p> <p>"And the house so they've got a roof over their head and they're settled and we can be in one spot forever for them."</p> <p>"No moving around anymore. This is their home town. Close to mum and dad. Where they should be."</p> <p>But the property the children are living in is in dire need of repair, with the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom ceilings all needing urgent attention.</p> <p>"I've never been one to ask for help, so it's hard for me to figure that one out - bathroom definitely needs a good going over, it's quite old," she said.</p> <p>Ms Day is looking for help with tradie skills and materials, saying, "The foundations are there - some love and care - it will all come out so wonderful."</p> <p>"It's all for the children, so they can have a nice easy life now."</p> <p>Seven months on from the crash, the house is still filled with tributes and flowers to their parents.</p> <p>"I'm hoping they're looking down, they're happy, they will be, so it will be all good," she said.</p> <p>Anyone able and willing to help the family is encouraged to reach out via the email helpthedaykids@gmail.com.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News</em></p>

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"Truly remarkable": Outpouring of love for orphaned infants of bus crash victims

<p>Generous Australians have opened their hearts and wallets to show their support for the two orphaned children of Andrew and Lynan Scott. </p> <p>The Scotts were onboard the bus that crashed in the Hunter Valley and were killed, along with eight others, leaving behind two sons, aged two and four. </p> <p>Since the devastating crash, family friends Sean and Paula Mewing set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-the-sons-of-Andrew-and-Lynan-Scott" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page for the young boys from Singleton in northern NSW, with the staggering sum reaching almost $300,000 in just over a week. </p> <p>The page's stated goal was $300,000 to 'to assist in providing ongoing support for the sons' of the Scotts, with more than 2,300 donations making up a total sum of $287,000.</p> <p>Despite the page almost reaching the target, the families of Andrew and Lynan said the page would "remain open in weeks, months and years ahead" to "support these boys in any endeavour they wish to pursue".</p> <p>In an update posted on Sunday, the families of Andrew and Lynan thanked page visitors for "all the love and support you all have shown in the past week either via donations and/or messages on this page, it is truly remarkable."</p> <p>In the messages section, tributes flowed from friends, family and colleagues of the deceased couple.</p> <p>"I worked with Andrew and he was one of the most genuinely sweet men I’ve ever met," one person wrote.</p> <p>"We were usually the first 2 there in the morning and he always had a happy smile and a hello for me! He won’t be forgotten."</p> <p>Another said, "Thank you Lynan and Andrew for being part of my life and sharing your family with me."</p> <p>"I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed. We hope to be there to support the boys in the years to come. Much love to their families now and forever."</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

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“A special girl”: Orphaned crash victim receives bravery award for saving baby brothers

<p>Synthia Rose Day, a five-year-old girl from Western Australia, has received a Children of Courage award for her actions in the devastating crash that orphaned herself and her two younger brothers. </p> <p>Synthia was in the car with her mother Cyndi Braddock, Cyndi’s partner Jake Day, and her two brothers when their Land Rover left the road in Wheatbelt and flipped a handful of kilometres short of their home. Jake was 28, and Cyndi only 25. </p> <p>In the backseat with her little brothers, Synthia survived the accident, but the trio were not found for 55 hours in the wake of the tragedy despite a frantic search by both their loved ones and the local authorities. </p> <p>While the situation the children found themselves in was nothing short of devastating, Synthia stepped up, and took action to make sure her brothers got out of there okay. </p> <p>"She took the seatbelt off the one-year-old Charles,” the childrens’ uncle, Al Slatter, informed <em>9News</em>, “[she] got him out of the seat and then got her foot stuck so she couldn't move … and what she did for Bevan was amazing."</p> <p>The children, freed from the vehicle and watched over by young Synthia, were eventually found on the roadside. </p> <p>For her actions that day, Synthia has been presented with a Children of Courage award, and was nominated by her teacher, Tony Smeed.</p> <p>“She's always been a caring and compassionate person,” Smeed said of the decision to put Synthia forward for the award, “and obviously the bravery she showed in 50 hours of heat to keep her brothers alive was just amazing.”</p> <p>“The award will mean that much to her,” their uncle, Al Slatter added, “and I even had a tear in my eye when they read it out to me, because she’s a special girl.”</p> <p>Synthia’s beloved brothers - two-year-old Bevan and one-year-old Charles - were in attendance to support their hero big sister, and the family had to travel more than three hours from their home in Kondinin to Perth to attend the ceremony. </p> <p>Slatter also opened up to <em>9News </em>about Synthia’s attitude since the tragedy, as the children adjust to their lives in their grandparents’ care, saying, “Charles, she loves him, but Bevan, wherever he goes - if he’s out riding his pushbike out the front - she’s got to be out there checking on him, making sure he’s not too far from Nanny.”</p> <p>Synthia was one of 38 exceptional children across Western Australia to be recognised for demonstrating resilience, determination, and positivity while living with trauma and various health challenges. </p> <p><em>Images: 9News</em></p>

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Orphaned children leave hospital after nightmare Christmas Day crash

<p>Three brave children who spent over two days trapped in a wrecked car next to their deceased parents have been released from hospital. </p> <p>The children's parents, Jake Day, 28, and Cindy Braddock, 25, died when their Land Rover Discovery rolled over on an isolated road near the West Australian town of Kondinin, less than 10km from home on Christmas Day.</p> <p>Their children, Synthia, 5, Bevan, 2, and Charlez, 1, all survived the crash, but were stranded for 55 hours in the blazing heat until the wreckage was eventually found on December 27th.</p> <p>Synthia has been hailed a hero after relatives revealed the little girl unbuckled her baby brother from his car seat, which saved his life.</p> <p>According to family friends, she told her siblings, "Nanny is going to look after us now."</p> <p>The three children were treated for minor injuries and dehydration before being airlifted to Perth Children's Hospital, where they spent four days recovering from the ordeal before being given the all-clear to leave.</p> <p>They returned home to Kondinin the next day, and were greeted with their presents from Santa waiting for them under the Christmas tree. </p> <p>They will live with their grandmother Annette Day, a local hospital orderly.</p> <p>"The next goal is to just keep looking after the kids," Mr Day's stepfather Richard Parker told Seven News.</p> <p>Despite their harrowing ordeal, the three children appear to be doing well. </p> <p>"[They are] full of life, jumped in the car, thought we might have had trouble getting one or two of them in their car seats, but they were straight in," Mr Parker told Nine News.</p> <p>"Good chance I'll end up moving down there as well just for support and we'll be going from there."</p> <p>The family are also giving their heartfelt thanks to family, friends and the entire Kondinin community who have donated more than $120,000 to the grief-stricken family. </p> <p>"It means a tremendous amount," he said.</p> <p>He also shared an emotional plea to drivers over the holiday season, urging people not to drive if they are feeling fatigued. </p> <p>"Nine kilometres, it was a only a little bit down the road. So if you're not feeling right or tired, pull over. Don't drive, it's not worth it!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News</em></p>

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Kate Beckinsale adopts "little orphan bestie"

<p>Kate Beckinsale has taken "foxy" to a whole new level thanks to the new furry friends she’s made.</p> <p>Beckinsale seems to be learning quite a bit from her new fox friend.</p> <p>Over the last few weeks, the famed actress has been updating her followers with sweet videos of her feeding and petting a wild fox that arrived in her parents' garden one day.</p> <p>Four weeks ago she captioned a collection of photos of the fox: "My parents have a new friend - a foxy cub that wants to hang out . I'm so jealous I've had to break out Clive's summer dungarees."</p> <p>Now Beckinsale and the fox seem inseparable, with him being the only thing she's sharing on socials.</p> <p>She seemed particularly grateful to have made the new friend, and shared quite a personal caption.</p> <p>"I've been so touched during a really hard week by the absolute force that is kindness and friendship," she wrote.</p> <p>"Please, everyone, put kindness somewhere, anywhere. It's life-altering. Thank you so much to all my special people. And my little orphan bestie," she added, referring to the fox.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgNfby4qHV_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgNfby4qHV_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kate Beckinsale (@katebeckinsale)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

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Support pouring in for four orphaned children of couple killed in car crash

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>A "down to earth" couple killed in a car crash just one day after their seventh wedding anniversary have left behind four children.</p> <p>Sabine Mather, 31, and James Mather, 36, died in WA's South West region after colliding head-on with another car that was towing a caravan.</p> <p>The couple had been on a "weekend away celebrating their anniversary" and the children were not in the car with them.</p> <p>Tributes have been left for the couple.</p> <p>“My best friend. My best man. THE best man. I love you Jim Mather. You two were so perfect together. I love you too Sabine Mather,” friend Timothy Hughes wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“My best friend for 36 years. You will never be forgotten.”</p> <p>Jake Baarsoe, who worked with Mr Mather, said he was "absolutely heartbroken".</p> <p>“Jim was such an important part of our team. Such a loving and caring guy that everyone looked up to,” he posted.</p> <p>“Have never met anyone as optimistic and outgoing as he was. He will be truly missed. “</p> <p>Fabienne Mckirdy, Mrs Mather's cousin has set up a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/jim-and-sabine-mather-funeral-and-children039s-fund?sharetype=teams&amp;member=6465440&amp;pc=fb_co_campmgmt_w&amp;rcid=r01-16043595322-164badca485e40cf&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=p_lico%252Bshare-sheet&amp;fbclid=IwAR3i-O0-q4BEy7rE1okKbq2ncjESSRZCyQWEh-wjCR77rbgsNbp02Lv9gRc" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">GoFundMe</a> page to cover funeral costs and the future care of the four children.</p> <p>“Those who knew Sabine and Jim Mather would describe them as a friendly, caring, and down to earth couple who were loved by everyone they met,” she wrote.</p> <p>“They were parents who would do anything for their children.</p> <p>“Sadly Jethro, 7, and Isaac, 5, are now orphaned, and Jim’s older daughters Ella-Jade, 13, and Sofia, 15, have lost their father.</p> <p>“Jethro and Isaac will now be raised by their grandparents, Elke and Steve.</p> <p>“Jim’s older girls, Ella-Jade and Sofia, will living with their mum, Alicia.”</p> <p>The emotional devastation has been made worse by the unexpected financial implications of raising the children without the income of their parents.</p> <p>“Elke and Steve will now need to put aside their retirement plans to instead focus on raising the two young boys,” she said.</p> <p>“Ella-Jade and Sofia will be living with their mum, and now need to come to terms with the devastating fact they will not see their father again. It is absolutely devastating for everyone.</p> <p>“The family needs all the help they can get during this sad time.</p> <p>“We can’t bring back Jim and Sabine, but we can help to ease the financial burdens that lie ahead.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

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5 kids orphaned as parents die one day apart

<p>Just one day apart, a married couple residing in South Los Angeles have both died from coronavirus, leaving behind five children.</p> <p>Humberto Ruelas-Rivas, 60, died on Sunday, just one day before his wife Karina Bonilla, 38, succumbed to the deadly virus also, <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://ktla.com/news/local-news/that-virus-took-my-family-away-downey-couple-dies-one-day-apart-from-covid-19-leaving-behind-5-young-children/" target="_blank">KTLA reported.</a></em></p> <p>They leave behind five children aged between two and 17, who are going to be raised by their 35-year-old half-sister Maria Ruelas.</p> <p>Ms Ruelas is also taking care of her younger sister who was hospitalised with coronavirus and suffered a stroke.</p> <p>"Within six days, I lost my father," Ms Ruelas said.</p> <p>"And within eight hours, I lost my stepmother. And now I have five kids."</p> <p>Ms Ruelas believes that her stepmother contracted the deadly virus at her workplace after her boss, a fruit vendor, allegedly showed symptoms, and chose not to self-isolate.</p> <p>"She went to work and in less than a week she started presenting symptoms," Ms Ruelas told KTLA.</p> <p>"She went home and then my father started getting sick."</p> <p>The woman says she isn’t even able to give her family members the farewell they deserve since the virus is still allegedly present in their bodies.</p> <p>"I hope this story doesn't repeat again. It's devastating," she said.</p> <p>Ms Ruelas has she applies for legal custody of her five younger siblings.</p> <p>"I'm happy to do it in the memory of my father," she said.</p> <p>As California gradually eases COVID-19 restrictions, Ms Ruelas urges all Americans to take the pandemic seriously.</p> <p>"I saw a lot of [people] without masks. That terrified me," she said.</p> <p>"That virus took my family away."</p> <p>The US has two million confirmed coronavirus cases on Wednesday night.</p> <p>More than 112,000 people have died from COVID-19 across the US.</p>

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Born with nothing: Filipino orphan becomes Aussie hero at Commonwealth Games

<p>A 147cm-tall “pocket rocket” who started life in a Filipino orphanage has become Australia’s latest Commonwealth Games hero, breaking a 24-year drought by winning gold on the vault.</p> <p>Christopher Remkes grabbed gold on the vault last night with a winning score of 14.766, including an impressive opening vault of 14.866.</p> <p>The 21-year-old says his small stature is his secret weapon, noting: “My height is almost like a super power, I’m lucky to have the build I have, it means I can go fast in the air.”</p> <p>Chris, who was adopted by South Australian couple Mike and Dora Remkes when he was two, paid an emotional tribute to his parents after his incredible win.</p> <p>“Without my parents I wouldn’t be here today, I would probably still be in the orphanage,” he said.</p> <p>“I owe everything to my parents, they gave me so much love and support and drove me around to all the competitions.”</p> <p><img width="402" height="403" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7817292/capture_402x403.jpg" alt="Capture (9)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Mark Remkes, who was in the audience to watch his son claim victory, told of how Chris had been dumped at a hospital at just two days old before being handed to an orphanage.</p> <p>“We had been childless for seven or eight years,” he told <strong><a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/2018-commonwealth-games/chris-remkes-from-a-box-in-an-orphanage-to-commonwealth-gold/news-story/27f23e85dd2b5d0b5c7f58e55121e063">The Australian</a></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span> “Adoption was our last option. It was so important for us to start a family. Then all of a sudden a child came up for adoption. We were given a file we could read which was supposed to have no photo. The CEO of the agency accidentally left the photo as the last page.</p> <p>“He forgot to remove it. When we opened the folder we opened it from the back instead of the front. We saw the photo first and before we read (anything else) we said we will take him, we’re going to get him.</p> <p>“We couldn’t leave someone like that in the conditions he was in. We were in The Philippines for two weeks. We spent the first week in Manila, the second week at the orphanage where he was from.</p> <p>“All he knew for the first nearly two years of his life was nothing bigger than a cot. When we went back to the orphanage, we saw where he survived so to speak for the first two years of his life.</p> <p>“It was a normal cot with no legs, on the ground. There were teeth marks in it. Kids were climbing out. To feed them all, they cooked up a bulk meal, put out so many dishes and fed three or four kids. It was just like a ration line.”</p> <p><img width="399" height="224" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/78e6a8e6045761e398d3faff05de28e7?width=650" alt="Chris Remkes says he owes everything to his parents. Chris with his dad Mike as a youngster: Photo: (@chrisremkes1) Instagram" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The Remkes arrived in The Philippines with gifts for the orphanage.</p> <p>“When we went back there the head nun that was running the place was in tears because she had never heard him laugh before,” Mark said.</p> <p>“He was laughing and running and smiling. She had never seen that from him in the two years he was in the orphanage — he was given up at one and half days old.</p> <p>“It was really, really sad to see. We took a full suitcase with insect repellent, moisturiser and that sort of thing. They were overwhelmed with gratitude.</p> <p>“It was a heartwarming introduction to being a parent for us.”</p> <p>Mark, who is a men’s gymnastics coach, said his son has loved gymnastics since starting out as a five year old.</p> <p>“His passion his so strong and his journey is still continuing,” the proud dad said.</p> <p>“We are proud of everything, he was given nothing in life and he has taken every opportunity and run with it.”</p> <p>Chris broke a 24-year Commonwealth Games vault drought for his nation, which was last won by an Australian in 1994.</p> <p> </p>

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The orphaned koala melting hearts around the world

<p>An orphaned baby koala is melting hearts around the world after photos emerged of the tiny marsupial cuddling up to a fluffy toy. Shayne was found by rescuers on the side of a road, just metres from where his mother lay after she was struck by a car. Thankfully, the tiny koala survived the ordeal uninjured, but now must adjust to life without his mum.</p> <p>“It’s very fortunate that we had an observant rescuer who found Shayne and brought him into us because he wouldn’t have lasted even a day in the wild by himself at his young age,” Dr Rosie Booth, director of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital said. “Now he gets a second chance at life.”</p> <p>To help the poor animal overcome his trauma, his carers have given him an adorable stuffed toy koala so whenever he misses his mum, he has something to cuddle up with.</p> <p><img width="500" height="294" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27708/bbkoala1_500x294.jpg" alt="Bbkoala1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>“Once he is of acceptable weaning age and weight, Shayne will return to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to learn essential climbing and social skills from other young koalas before being released to the wild,” the hospital said in a statement.</p> <p>Take a look at the sweet baby koala in the video above, he will absolutely warm your heart.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/07/couple-find-koala-in-living-room/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Couple return home to find a new koala housemate</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/baby-kola-rescued-after-storm/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Tiny baby koala rescued after storm is melting hearts</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/01/baby-koala-miraculously-survives-eagle-attack/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Baby koala miraculously survives eagle attack and massive fall</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Orphaned piglet and kitten become best friends

<p>There have been some incredibly cute and unlikely animal friendships over the years. However, this kitten and piglet take it to a whole new level of cute.</p> <p>Laura the piglet and Marina the kitten were introduced after both lost their mothers at Interspecies Equality Sanctuary, a refuge for farm animals in Santiago, Chile.</p> <p>Marina was found sick, with her eyes full of pus on abandoned on the street. Fortunately, a stranger rescued her off the mean streets and brought her to the sanctuary. Laura was rescued from the meat industry by a group of activists. Her mother, who was a breeder pig, lived in a cage so small she could not move. She was forced to give birth again and again to produce piglets for slaughter.</p> <p>When Laura arrived at the sanctuary, she was reportedly very shaken and frightened-until she laid eyes on Marina. The moment the pair met each other they were inseparable. Their unbelievably sweet bond can be seen in the gallery above. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/cats-are-like-psychopaths-gallery/">11 ways cats are like “psychopaths”</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/dogs-with-no-concept-of-personal-space/"><em>Dogs with no concept of perosnal space</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/photos-of-animals-hitchhiking/">Hilarious photos of animals hitchhiking</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Orphaned possum finds comfort with toy kangaroo

<p>A brushtail possum has been taken in by the Taronga Wildlife Hospital after being found alone and severely dehydrated. The staff have given the four-month-old possum a stuffed kangaroo toy to cuddle with to replace her missing mother. The possum has regained much health since being fed by bottle and will later be released back into the wild.</p> <p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9808/21da46ea4186a0c00ee7a971fb899d0a6212db4a8b16e92be5dbfed6abb3ed41_500x333.jpg" alt="21da 46ea 4186a 0c 00ee 7a 971fb 899d 0a 6212db 4a 8b 16e 92be 5dbfed 6abb 3ed 41" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong><img width="480" height="720" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9809/4b12a324a71b58a88bed3445c99a51806fbc9238f081e9b8b882a6f147ba8477.jpg" alt="4b 12a 324a 71b 58a 88bed 3445c 99a 51806fbc 9238f 081e 9b 8b 882a 6f 147ba 8477" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9810/c99a62c76b5dbcc7dc8fa6a9aab2c37b16ffa7e9d5ae7d9d1893027e1d05db2e_500x333.jpg" alt="C 99a 62c 76b 5dbcc 7dc 8fa 6a 9aab 2c 37b 16ffa 7e 9d 5ae 7d 9d 1893027e 1d 05db 2e" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/10/dogs-with-puppies/">9 pooches with their mini-me pups</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/09/why-greyhound-make-good-pets/">8 excellent reasons to adopt a greyhound</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/08/pets-sleeping-in-bed/">Should you let pets sleep in your bed?</a></span></em></strong></p>

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Orphaned gorilla is comforted by park ranger

<p>This was the tender moment a gorilla was comforted by a park ranger when it recently became orphaned.</p> <p>Patrick Karabaranga, a ranger at Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, sat with a comforting arm around the gorilla as they sat in the park’s sanctuary. Around a quarter of the world’s mountain gorilla lives in Virunga National Park but the area is unfortunately rife with poaching. </p> <p>The illegal trade is heartbreaking and infuriating, but we’re glad that there are people like Patrick out there, who are always willing to lend a helping hand to friends, even if they are of a different species.</p> <p><img width="433" height="243" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Congo-Gorilla-1_wide-8f2905a9fe1585e313c5c3c5f187f50e711407a7-s1600-c85-650x365.jpg" alt="Sad gorilla" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/08/pets-sleeping-in-bed/">Should you let pets sleep in your bed?</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/07/cats-with-their-stolen-stashes/">7 cat burglars who were caught red-pawed with their stolen stash</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/07/homemade-cat-treats/">Homemade cat treats</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Lion saves orphaned baboon

<p>In a surprising series of images, a photographer has captured an image of a lioness saving a newly orphaned baby baboon.</p> <p>In the photo series shown below, a pack of lions killed the young baboon’s mother. When the orphaned baby attempted to escape, it couldn’t get up a nearby tree.</p> <p>Instead of eating the offspring, as you might expect from a predator such as a lion, the lioness gently picked up the baboon, creating a rare and spectacular photo opportunity.</p> <p><img width="497" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9114/5_497x330.jpg" alt="5 (53)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><img width="498" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9115/1_498x330.jpg" alt="1 (59)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9116/2_500x333.jpg" alt="2 (62)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9117/3_500x333.jpg" alt="3 (58)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://laholzwarth.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/living-in-the-moment/" target="_blank">You can read the entire series of events leading to the photo series, here. </a></strong></span><a href="https://laholzwarth.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/living-in-the-moment/"><br /></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/09/why-do-cats-stare/">Why does my cat stare at me?</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/07/before-and-after-photos-of-cats/">12 before and after photos of cats growing up</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/07/homemade-cat-treats/">Homemade cat treats</a></span></em></strong></p>

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Orphaned koala joeys gets human foster parents

<p>Two zookeepers at Symbio Wildlife Park have become foster parents to a pair of koala joeys after one of their mothers died from cancer. Little joey, Harry, was 22 weeks old when his mother passed away, meaning he was not receiving the vital pap – partly digested eucalyptus leaves excreted by mother koalas – to survive.</p> <p>The decision was made to hand-rear fellow joey, Imogen, who is a month older than Harry, so her mother, Kelly, could act as a surrogate for Harry. The fostering job was a success with mother Kelly adopting Harry as her own.</p> <p>Symbio curator Kylie Elliot and general manager Matt Radnidge took on the roles of human parents to both baby koala, and have been sharing their journey on social media.</p> <p>“Hand raising Imogen has been the most challenging and rewarding thing we have ever achieved,” Ms Elliot told Daily Mail Australia.</p> <p>“It hasn't been an easy journey raising a joey with nocturnal habits and sharp claws - I definitely have a new respect for Koala mothers. Imogen has become such a huge part of our lives, and we are so blessed to have had the opportunity to play a part in her rearing.”<strong><br /></strong></p> <p><img width="476" height="317" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/09/11/04/2C2B338300000578-3230174-image-a-34_1441941078981.jpg" alt="Joeys Imogen (pictured) and Harry were born at the Helensburgh park, south of Sydney, earlier this year, but sadly Harry's mother died of leukaemia when he was just 22 weeks old without receiving the vital pap baby koalas need to survive." class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-1297f840de2942a7"/></p> <p><img width="477" height="645" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/09/11/05/2C2B33B000000578-3230174-image-m-66_1441946412444.jpg" alt="Imogen enjoys life at home with Ms Elliot and Mr Radnidge. The fostering job was a success, with Kelly instantly taking over the role of nurturing mother and adopting Harry as her own." class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-e73882b8fe82f55"/></p> <p><img width="474" height="474" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/09/11/04/2C2B33A800000578-3230174-image-a-35_1441941096983.jpg" alt="After consulting with industry specialists, the decision was made to hand-rear Imogen (pictured with Kylie Elliot and Matt Radnidge) who was a month older than Harry, and use her mother, Kelly, as a surrogate for Harry " class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-4e6b099bad405bfe"/></p> <p><img width="468" height="334" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/09/11/04/2C2B337E00000578-3230174-image-a-38_1441941120197.jpg" alt="Symbio curator Kylie Elliot (pictured) and general manager Matt Radnidge took on the challenge of being fast tracked into an 'parenthood'. Ms Elliot has to carry Imogen around in a pouch all day similar to a koala mother" class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-e98164f69be4793e"/></p> <p><img width="470" height="689" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/09/11/05/2C2B337500000578-3230174-The_couple_have_shared_their_journey_on_social_media_posting_upd-a-67_1441946451226.jpg" alt="The couple have shared their journey on social media posting updates and videos of their growing koala. The latest video shows Ms Elliot carrying Imogen in a make-shift pouch during the day for her to sleep in and shots of the threesome playing happily at home" class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-585cfb5adcf1da6f"/></p> <p><img width="470" height="313" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/09/11/04/2C2B339300000578-3230174-image-a-44_1441941154951.jpg" alt="'Hand raising Imogen has been the most challenging and rewarding thing we have ever achieved,' Ms Elliot told Daily Mail Australia" class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-1770cd45de73b3fd"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/09/panda-steals-apple-video/">Sneaky panda steals buddy’s apple</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/12/worlds-strangest-animals/">10 of the strangest animals ever to exist</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/01/cat-instagram-accounts/">Instagram accounts cat lovers NEED to see</a></strong></em></span></p>

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Orphaned puppies find a most unexpected mother

<p>We’ve seen many stories of puppies finding solace from maternal cats, or kittens finding a home with mothering dogs, but this story is far more unusual.</p> <p>At the Rocky Ridge Refuge, all of the puppies who come into the estate find care with a gentle, furry… capybara.</p> <p>Cheesecake, a mothering capybara “adopts” and cares for every puppy that shows up.</p> <p>"She sleeps with them; she eats with them," founder, Janice Wolf explained. "They'll play with her, they'll groom her, and she seems to enjoy it."</p> <p>"I think she just has kind of that aura around her that makes them feel safe and secure."</p> <p><img width="500" height="278" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8590/980x-1-_500x278.jpg" alt="980x (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="255" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8591/980x-2-_500x255.jpg" alt="980x (2)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="275" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8592/980x-3-_498x275.jpg" alt="980x (3)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="275" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8593/980x_498x275.jpg" alt="980x (4)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/08/animal-sleeping-buddies/">Unlikely animal sleeping buddies that will melt your heart</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/07/before-and-after-photos-of-cats/">12 before and after photos of cats growing up</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/06/text-messages-from-dogs/">In pictures: text messages your dog would send you if it had a phone</a></span></em></strong></p>

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