Heartbroken sister remembers Kim as ‘the light of my life’ after Birchwood tragedy

The sister of Kim English has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her family following the Birchwood house fire that claimed the lives of Kim, her husband Philip English and their two sons, Calum and Jayden.

In an emotional social media post, Charlene Companjen described her sister as “the light of my life” and spoke movingly of the bond they shared, the love her nephews brought to her life and the special place Philip held within the family.

Addressing her sister directly, Ms Companjen wrote: “No words will ever come close to how incredibly heartbroken I am. Kim you were the light of my life.” 

She recalled treasured memories from their childhood and the close relationship they maintained throughout their lives.

“I’m going to miss our calls and hearing you say ‘gwan I love you’. I’ll never forget watching Cinderella every night next to you,” she wrote.

Ms Companjen said her sister had often told her that “the day I was born ur life truly began and that I was the apple to ur eye,” adding: “Well Kim you were everything and more a little sister could have asked for.” 

She described Kim as a caring and resilient person who always looked out for others, writing: “I have never met anyone as beautiful and resilient as you. You cared so much about everyone around and I truly admire you for that.” 

Ms Companjen also reflected on the mother her sister had become, writing: “You broke the cycle and became the best mother I have ever seen.” 

One source of comfort, she said, was having spoken to her sister the night before the tragedy.

“I’m grateful I called you the night before u were taken away from me, my last words to you was I love you,” she wrote.

Remembering her nephew Calum, she described him as “honestly my twin”.

“We always danced together and you always made me laugh. You were such a bright boy who lived so carefree,” she wrote. “You were and will continue to be an absolute joy in my life.” 

Her tribute to Jayden was equally heartfelt.

“Jayden I don’t even know where to begin with you. Always up to trouble,” she wrote. Ms Companjen recalled how he would call her his “favourite aunty” and remembered the close bond they shared.

“Every time I came to visit we were inseparable. We’d play together or simply just have a cuddle and watch Paw Patrol. I’d give anything to hold you one more time.” 

Paying tribute to Philip English, Ms Companjen recalled first meeting him when she was four years old after he was introduced to the family by her sister.

“You always took care of me and I’ll always hold that close to my heart,” she wrote.

She described the love between Philip and Kim as unconditional and remembered him as a devoted father and husband.

“You were my sister’s soulmate. Ye loved each other so unconditionally. You were an amazing father to those children just as you were husband.” 

Ms Companjen said Philip had become far more than a brother-in-law to her.

“To me you weren’t just my sister’s husband, you were family,” she wrote.

Recalling evenings spent talking together, she added: “I’m so incredibly sad that I won’t be able to sit in that kitchen and chat all night with you but I will hold those memories close.” 

Concluding her tribute, Ms Companjen said the memories she shared with her sister, brother-in-law and nephews would stay with her forever.

“I miss and love ye forever,” she wrote.