Big-hearted Eorl Crabtree gives a home to a family whose house was wrecked by Storm Arwen

Huddersfield Giants ambassador Eorl Crabtree has given a home to a family whose house was destroyed by Storm Arwen.

Big Eorl, who set up his own property business with partner Carly Turnbull during lockdown last year, had just bought a house in the seaside resort of Amble in Northumberland.

The couple, who picked up the keys on the day Storm Arwen caused widespread devastation, had planned to renovate the house and turn it into a holiday let in 2022.

As part of getting to know the area Carly had joined a local Facebook group and saw a post appealing for help on behalf of a family who had been forced out of their home through storm damage.

Slaithwaite-based Eorl said: “Carly saw a post from a mum who was asking if anyone had somewhere for this family to stay. The chimney had fallen through and the house had been condemned.

“The family – a mum, dad and daughter – were staying in a one bedroomed apartment above a pub. The family are the nicest people and have a really tough back story. The daughter also has a medical condition.

“No-one else could help this family so Carly and I thought about what we could do. It was one of those situations where we were probably the only people who could help.”

Eorl and Carly got in touch and arranged to let the family move in – but first they had to kit the place out with furniture, white goods and other necessities.

**The living room at the house in Amble – complete with Eorl’s trademark prints on the wall**

Carly’s dad Ian checked the place out and made some minor repairs and then followed a 72-hour “mad mission” to bring in everything the family needed including a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer and sofas.

“Those 72 hours were mental,” said Eorl. “We decided to put our project on the backburner and give a safe haven to this family for as long as they need it.

“They have all the space they need and will be comfortable and warm and hopefully this will be a Christmas they won’t forget – but for all the right reasons.”

It is thought the family’s home insurance will eventually pay for their temporary accommodation but Eorl said: “This family needed help now and everyone needs a little help at some time in their lives.”