A PERTH family whose Christmas was ruined by callous thieves have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who rallied round after their house was raided.
Richie Montgomery has had his faith in human nature restored after friends, family and acquaintances came forward to help him replace gifts stolen from his Tulloch home on Christmas Day.
A traumatic 12 months for the family eight-year-old Richie Jr was left in a coma following a road accident earlier this year ended on a low after the thieves struck.
While they were out visiting family, their home was robbed sometime between 1pm and 10.30pm on Christmas Day.
The intruders escaped with a £2,000 haul including an Xbox 360 and other presents for Richie and his sisters Teri (10) and Maci (2).
Also among their haul were unopened gifts which had still to be handed over to other family members, a Wii, £200 in cash and two suitcases which were used to carry the items.
It was two months ago that Richie was involved in an accident with a car as he walked home from school.
He was rushed to hospital and placed in a coma for four days after he suffered swelling on the brain.
Despite his injuries, Richie recovered and returned to school just two weeks after the accident.
As news of the theft of their Christmas gifts spread, the community rallied round.
“People have been brilliant,” said Mr Montgomery (30), a trainee engineer.
“It was terrible but family and friends have been great and a lot of what we lost has already been replaced.
“I could not be more grateful for what they have done.”
Richie also thanked patrons of the Tulloch Institute for their help and support.
Tayside Police say that inquiries are continuing into the break-in.
rburdge@thecourier.co.uk