With the help of local jeweller, Susi Demelt-Karlstreu, Garrath was able to “re-propose” to Marjorie among the ashes of their house, and she said “yes” a second time.

The couple thought they had lost their wedding rings in the November bushfire that destroyed theirs and 33 other houses and nine holiday chalets nearby, but they managed to find the rings in the rubble and a sapphire eternity ring and a pair of gold earrings.

Despite a recent hip injury and staph infection, Garrath was keen to use the rings to propose again, so he enlisted the help of Susi of Atelier Susi Jewellery Gallery.

She said the rings were very charred and difficult to clean, but the gold survived what must have been extreme heat.

Touched by Garrath’s romantic gesture, Susi treated the Stewarts to a bottle of Moet champagne on ice, champagne flutes, scented bath bombs, and a box of chocolates to complete their Valentine’s Day occasion.

Then, Wayne and Leanne Sturges of Donnybrook, who had heard of the Stewarts’ plight and wanted to donate to a specific bushfire cause, paid the bill for the ring repairs.

Marjorie said they have been continually overwhelmed by the generosity of WA people. The Stewart family has relocated to a temporary home near their original house site, and thank the many people involved in their re-establishment.