Geraldton father of sons in house fire Matthew Mongoo drawing artwork to thank community for donations

A father who lost one son in a house fire and is at the bedside of the other fighting for life has thanked the community for their support and has taken up drawing in a bid to show his appreciation. A tragic blaze at a Mt Tarcoola home on Thursday, June 1 left three boys, aged 12, 13 and 14, in hospital fighting for life. Melissa and Matthew Mongoo’s 13-year-old son Nulla — who suffered severe burns to 90 per cent of his body — died at Perth Children’s Hospital on Monday, June 5. Their older son Matthew, 14, and a 12-year-old friend friend both remain in critical condition. Two GoFundMe pages set up by family and friends in the wake of the tragedy have raised more than $30,000 in donations. Mr Mongoo said he did not know how to repay everyone for their kindness and generosity, so he decided to start drawing art. He said he would frame the artwork he created and randomly draw the names of donors and gift them the drawings. Nulla has been described as a strong and brave boy, who fought until the very end. “We will all miss his beautiful big smile and funny sense of humour. The family, his friends and our community are all devastated and are feeling the loss,” family member Nadine Ryan said.