The house fire in St. David's that destroyed one family's worldly possessions has left 11 people clinging together for hope in a single cottage as outpourings of sympathy flood in.

But despite losing everything in Monday's fire ?neither the wooden home or the belongings were insured? the Foggo family has had to stick together.

"It's very upsetting," 73-year-old homeowner Thelma Foggo said. "Sometimes we can't express our feelings ? but through it all we are just glad to be alive and thankful for what everyone has done for us ? neighbours phone calls. People brought clothing and monetary gifts ? just keep us in their prayers." she said.

Daughter Ann Williams said her 71-year-old father Chesleigh (Sonny) Foggo seemed to be taking the loss well because he thought his wife of 50 years was inside during the fire.

She said he was at a nearby dock with some friends when he "saw the smoke from across the water. He said 'that's my house'. They all said, ' no it's not'" but her father insisted.

When he got close and saw his home burning in flames all could say was: "Please don't tell me she's in there". As he frantically searched the neighbourhood for his wife that was all he could say.

"That's why he is taking it so well, because of the possibility she could still have been in there," Mrs. Williams said.

She said her mother had been to the doctor yesterday as her blood pressure was a little high.

The public have sent sympathy cards and clothes to the family, while St. David's MP Suzann Roberts-Holshouser delivered fold-out beds donated to the family from the Red Cross.

"People were sleeping on the floors and in chairs last night," she said.

And Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent called Mrs. Williams last night to let her know he was trying to find a new home for her parents, she said.

"Mr. DeVent said he possibly has living accommodation for them," she said. "He just has to check to make sure it has not been reallocated to anyone else. That is good news".

And Premier Alex Scott sent his condolences to the family.

"I have spoken to the Premier. He sent his heartfelt sympathy and said this was not a good way to start the year and he feels for us. He said he will help in any way he can and would start with the asbestos problem."

She said it was still dangerous to visit the house, but the family felt they needed to go to see what they could salvage of their possessions.

The three grandchildren who lived in the home and were inside at the time of the fire were: Khyjuan Landy, 29, his brother Dejuan Landy, 22, and sister Kaywonda Landy, 24.

Khyjuan said: "I was in my bedroom, my grandmother was in her bedroom and my brother was in his bedroom... It was a holiday and we were all lying down watching TV".

He said his 11-year-old cousin Gary, who was visiting the house had been playing Play Station in the living room before he said: "Nana, nana, I smell smoke."

At first Khyjuan did not move from his bed but when Gary shouted "the kitchen is on fire!" he jumped up to find "the entire stove lit up, including the exhaust overhead and the ceiling on fire," he said.

But it was his brother Dejuan who ran back into the house several times with buckets of water to try and put it out.

Dejuan was limping yesterday, and thought he sprained his ankle after tripping when he came out of the house.

"I grew up in there. My life didn't matter," he said. "I wanted to save what I could. If something happened to me, it didn't matter at the time. I tried to save the house".

Dejuan said he threw a bucket of water on the wall "before the fire reached the living room, but it was too late. I ran next door and got a fire extinguisher to put it out, but it got so bad with all the heat and smoke."

Kaywonda's one-year-old baby Shia also lived in the home, but was at a baby-sitters at the time of the blaze. And the only things the family has for the baby were the meagre possessions his mother left at the babysitter's house.

The Red Cross has donated three roll-away beds for the family to use for as long as they need them, while The Barn donated blankets and sheets. On Friday the charity will also open its doors exclusively for the family so they can collect anything they need.

Items of clothing, which can be donated by the public, are particularly needed.

Thelma Foggo's said her favourite store is Trimingham's and "wears everything in size 12".

Chesley (Sonny) Foggo ? Gibbons Co: L shirt, 38 trousers, size nine shoe.

Dejuan ? The Source: XXL shirt, 36 inch trousers, size 10.5 to 11 shoe.

Khyjuan's ? Gibbon's Company: XL shirt, 42 inch trouser, size ten shoe.

Kaywonda ? It's a Plus or Connections: XXL shirt, 22 trouser, size nine shoe.

Baby Shia wears 24 months size clothes, his mother said.