THE family of Stephanie Hammacott have publicly expressed their

gratitude to the people of Plymouth for their kindness and

thoughtfulness following their daughter’s death in a freak gas

explosion.

Stephanie was crushed by breezeblocks, bricks and other debris

as she was caught in the aftermath of the blast near Bulteel

Gardens in Southway on January 8.

The nine-year-old was on her way to Southway Primary School

with her mother when the end-terrace house exploded.

Neighbours raced to the scene to assist, but their desperate

efforts were in vain.

Now in a letter to The Herald, Stephanie’s mother Carol, father

Paul and sisters Terri-Ann, 15, and Tonie-Marie, 11, have

written to thank all those who have helped them through the

agonising weeks which followed the devastating incident.

They said they wanted to thank people “for being so kind and

thoughtful” in their time of sadness following the “tragic

death of our lovely little angel”.

They wrote: “The community of Southway and Plymouth as a whole

has been so supportive, but we can’t thank everyone

individually as we have received so many cards, letters and

loving gifts in memory of Stephanie.

“We would, however, like to forward our special thanks to all

our neighbours and emergency services who helped at the scene.

“Family, friends and Southway Primary have also been so

supportive and well needed at this time, and no doubt in the

near future, where we as a family have to cope on a day-to-day

basis without Stephanie.

“We would also like to give many thanks for all who helped make

Stephanie’s funeral a really colourful tribute and celebration

of her short life.

“We are so overwhelmed with everything Plymouth has done for

us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

A police and Health and Safety Executive investigation is still

under way into the cause of the explosion.

Early findings have revealed what appeared to be a fracture in

the low-pressure gas main situated in the street next to the

Bulteel Gardens house.

Last month, hundreds of mourners created a sea of pink –

Stephanie’s favourite colour – at her funeral, which was held

at St Andrew’s Church on Royal Parade.