The 55-year-old had barely minutes to get to safety before her weatherboard home at the end of Dowling Street, Dungog, burnt to the ground.

She grabbed her handbag and threw it down the front of the property near the fence, but it too was consumed by the fire.

The tight-knit community has thrown its support behind Kerri who has given so much over the years to sport, particularly for netball and junior rugby league.

As a young mother, she was injured while playing touch football and now uses crutches to get around.

Eighteen months ago her husband Clive passed away.

On Sunday Kim Francis organised a fundraiser at the Royal Hotel, raising more than $4770.

Dungog businesses and individuals donated a variety of items – including themselves – to the appeal.

Ms Francis auctioned herself off to do housecleaning and Mark Brown for yard maintenance work.

“It was a fantastic day and people were coming and going all afternoon, listening to music, donating money and bidding at the auction,” Ms Francis said.

“Lindy Hunt from the Dungog Junior Rugby League Club helped too and Paddy Dillon conducted the auction and we are thrilled with the end result.

“Kerri’s daughter Molly Nevin came along mid-afternoon and at the end of the auction thanked everyone for their generosity.”

The money raised came from raffles and the auction, sausage sizzle, cash donations and a percentage of meal and bar takings from the hotel.

To date over $10,000 in cash has been donated to the appeal.

Cash donations are still being accepted at the Dungog Chronicle and can be in the form of cash, cheque, credit or debit card and can be dropped into the office at 114 Dowling Street.

Credit card details can be taken over the phone on 4992 1721 and receipts are issued for every donation.

The appeal is also accepting new household and linen items.

These can be also dropped off at the Chronicle office.

For more information about the appeal contact Janelle O’Neill on 4992 1721 or Lindy Hunt on 0429 825 570.