Three young children who miraculously survived after spending nearly three days stranded next to the wreckage of their family’s car while their parents lay dead inside, have been taken in by their grandmother, who pleads for help renovating their home.
Charles, Bevan and Synthia were orphaned in the horrific accident near their home in Kondinin, in the Wheatbelt, Western Australia, on Christmas Day 2022.
The single car crash shocked the nation and sadly claimed the lives of their parents Cindy Braddock, 25, Jake Day, 28, on impact.
The family was making the 200km journey back to Kondinin to spend Christmas with Annette, Mr Day’s mother, when the Land Rover Discovery overturned and crashed into an embankment just 10km from its destination.
It took almost three days to find the children.
The car was found upside down on an embankment just 10 kilometers from the family’s destination on Corrigin-Kondinin Road.
Cindy Braddock, 25, and Jake Day, 28, were killed when their Land Rover Discovery left a remote WA road and overturned
Their grandmother, Mrs. Day, revealed that the three young children were well aware of the tragedy and loss of their parents.
“Everyone knows everything, I think the fact of how it all went, being there in the car with mom and dad for those two days, I think that’s what maybe made it so real to them,” Ms. Day said.
Five-year-old Synthia, who was later awarded a bravery award for her actions, untied her one-year-old brother Bevan, and the two were found together near the road.
But her little brother Charles, just two months old at the time, remained strapped to his car seat.
The children had spent more than 55 hours alone in 30 degree temperatures.
The grandmother described the young trio as her ‘sunshine’.
Orphans Charles, Bevan and Synthia (pictured) ‘know all’ about the horrifying accident that killed their parents
Their grandmother, Annette Day, says they are her ‘sunshine’ and asks for help renovating her forever home.
“We have our bad days, we’ve had enough bad days, but it’s okay, you move on,” said Ms. Day. 9News.
The community rallied with orphans after the tragedy and raised over $100,000.
“(The money) bought a car so I can take the kids and there won’t be any more breakdowns,” said Ms. Day.
‘And the house so they have a roof over their heads and they’re settled and we can be in one place forever for them.
‘Don’t move anymore. This is his hometown. Close to mom and dad. where they should be
But the property is in dire need of repair, and the ceilings in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom need urgent attention.
“I’ve never been one to ask for help, so it’s hard for me to figure that out – the bathroom definitely needs a good overhaul, it’s pretty old,” he said.
The family had left Northam, WA, around 1am on Christmas Day and were on their way to their home in Kondinin, some 200km away.
Ms. Day is looking for help with traditional skills and materials.
“The foundation is there, a little love and care, everything will turn out so wonderful,” he added.
‘It’s all for the children, so they can have a nice and easy life now.’
Seven months after the accident, the house is filled with tributes and flowers for his parents.
“I hope they’re looking down, that they’re happy, that they will be, so everything will be okay,” he said.
Anyone who is able and willing to help the family can reach out via email helpthedaykids@gmail.com
