Orphaned brothers receive $550k in donations

Three orphaned brothers have been left speechless and almost in tears after generous Australians donated more than half a million dollars in one day to help them buy their family home so that they could stay together.

In a touching display of generosity, more than $550,000 has been donated to Lawrence brothers Jarrod, 19, Blake, 16, and Dylan, 14, who lost their mother to illness suddenly last month, six years after the death of their father.

"It just means the world," Jarrod said upon hearing the news that he and brothers would now be able to own their home.

"(We're) so grateful for everyone who donated, it just means so much for me and the boys," he said.

Jarrod, who has pledged to take care of his younger brothers, brimmed with pride tonight as he and his brothers stood surrounded by friends and family in the driveway of their NSW home that will remain theirs thanks to the incredible support of strangers from across the country.

"It is just unbelievable. I'm speechless, I really am," he said as he held back tears.

The incredible support came 24 hours after the brothers appeared on A Current AffairA Current Affair, where the show appealed for financial assistance to help the beleaguered boys.

Jarrod, who works part time while he studies teaching, said he was gobsmacked as he watched thousands of donations roll in "every few minutes" throughout today.

When Blake and Dylan returned home from school this afternoon, donations had reached $443,983.10.

It was enough to put enormous smiles on the faces of the courageous boys.

Thanks to the generous support, Jarrod will now be able to raise his two younger brothers and said it was a relief they could take care of the mortgage on their western Sydney home too.

The majority of donations came from everyday Australians across the country, ranging from $5 to $1000.

A number of businesses also came on board donating up to $10,000 each — but many wished to remain anonymous.

As well as $20,000 from Channel Nine to be added to the $550,000, Australian philanthropist and entrepreneur Dick Smith and his wife Pip donated $20,000, while Kyle and Jacky-O drummed up $15,000 from their fans.

Small businesses throughout Sydney chipped in thousands while children across the country raided their piggy banks and donated their pocket money.

Able Doors Services from Smithfield in Sydney's west gave $10,000, as did Alfabs Mining from Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley.

Penny McCardle, an archaeologist from Newcastle, also offered $10,000 — and the donations keep coming in.

Their mum Natalie suffered two brain aneurisms on March 17 but there was no life insurance or money in the bank when she died.

Mrs Lawrence had $10,000 worth of medical bills on various credit cards for herself and her youngest son Dylan who had a tumour removed from his brain two years ago.

"There's still a mortgage, a very big one, we've got electricity bills, water bills, gas bills. I don't know how we're going to pay for it at the moment," Jarrod said last night.

"I think it's unfair in a way but we'll be right. I can look after the boys and do the best I can hopefully.

"I'm prepared to take it on. (Mum and dad) are looking over me every day."

Their father Chris died six years ago after battling mental health issues.