Family and friends of Geraldton house fire victim Nulla Mongoo, 13, attend candlelight vigil at Stow Gardens

About 100 family, friends and first responders paid tribute to a young boy lost too soon at a candlelight vigil for 13-year-old Nulla Mongoo, who died in a horrific house fire last month. The emotional gathering on Saturday at Stow Gardens was an opportunity for people to share memories of Nulla and mourn together. Stories were shared on stage, including memories of sleepovers from friends and a message from Nulla’s older brother, Matthew Mongoo, who suffered critical burns in the Mount Tarcoola house fire, along with a 12-year-old friend. Family member Nadine Ryan said it was nice to see some of the first responders and neighbours who were first on the scene attend the vigil. “It’s very special that we’ve got everyone down here tonight, it’s well needed in the community, it’s needed for Bobby and the kids and Melissa, just to see that we’ve got all the support,” she said. “The kids haven’t had time to mourn, so it’s great to get this going so they can come together.” Ms Ryan said the family wanted to thank the neighbours for helping the boys and supporting the family through this tough time. “This is Melissa’s first time back in Geraldton so it’s a big day . . . it’s quite emotional,” she said Nulla and Matthew’s mother Melissa Mongoo attended the vigil and was seen hugging and thanking family and friends. Ms Mongoo said she had seen a lot of familiar faces at the vigil, particularly those who were school friends with her two boys. “Yeah, especially all my son’s friends that have stayed in my house,” she said. Ms Mongoo thanked the community who have supported the family by donating to their GoFundMe page. The blaze on Marinula Road on June 1 left the three boys with life-threatening burns, requiring them to be airlifted to Perth by Royal Flying Doctors Service. The fire gutted the house, with neighbours desperately rushing to help the injured boys before emergency services arrived. Nulla, 13, suffered burns to 90 per cent of his body and died at Perth Children’s Hospital on June 5. The other two boys were left fighting for life in ICU for weeks until they were recently moved to a ward at Perth Children’s Hospital in stable conditions. Their rehabilitation, however, could take years.