The father of the Park triplets, who tragically lost their mother just days after being allowed out of hospital for Christmas, has spoken about the community’s “phenomenal” support.

Steven Park said the girls were doing really well and were developing their own personalities.

“They’ve all got their own individual traits now. Mollie is very impatient, Evelyn is always laughing and giggling and Poppie craves attention and loves watching TV,” he said.

More than £45,000 has been raised for the family since Rachel died suddenly at their Bransty home on December 27, after sharing a first family Christmas.

The sisters, who were born at 26 weeks, celebrated their first birthday in March and now attend St Bees Little Learners nursery.

They still have regular check-ups at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, and at the West Cumberland Hospital, where they enjoyed a show by storytellers from Starlight Children’s Foundation earlier this week.

But they have come a long way since they spent 111 days in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary after their parents were told to prepare for the worst.

“They’re doing really well – they’re off oxygen and Mollie is nearly walking now. She’s crawling and pulling herself up on furniture,” said Mr Park.

“Evelyn and Poppie have turned a corner with their reflux and their eating, and their tubes should be out soon.

"They started nursery in February and I went back to work in April. They’re enjoying it.”

Returning to work as a chef at the Outward Bound centre in Eskdale has helped Mr Park as he comes to terms with raising the three girls without Rachel.

He said: “I think I needed to go back, for the adult conversation and because it keeps you focused. It has helped me.”

And he said he was extremely grateful for the support the family have received from the community, with numerous fundraising events held.

“I’m really astounded by the level of what people have done,” he said. “Staff at Kellbank gave their tips over the Christmas period, a few schools did non-uniform days and a gym in Workington helped us too.

“Cathy Marcangelo held a jazz night at Florence Arts Centre – her husband John is a relative of ours – and Anne Kelly held an event at Whitehaven Civic Hall. It’s phenomenal.”

He added: “The children’s community nurses have been a massive help to me, especially Maria Morton as well as the staff on the children’s ward at West Cumberland.

"It’s completely astounding and I can’t forget the girls who helped to set up the fund – Trudy Turnbull, Lucy Dawson, Julie Hodgson and Michelle Lambon-Wilkes.

“I’d like to say how grateful I am – and we are as a family – for the donations, support and messages.”

Mr Park’s former employers at the Rothay Garden Hotel, Grasmere, are hosting a fundraiser next month.

There will be an auction and a performance from comedian and actor Ted Robbins.