It definitely sucks that your laptop died, but you're doing some tremendous work and I really have to applaud you for it, I find it absolutely amazing! I hope you are able to update soon, though there is no rush, you still can take however long you want. I'll patiently wait!
As for character design, I do digital art and stuff, and would love to help you out with it, but I'm not very secure about my skills as well- It's up to you entirely, if you still need someone I can help you out!