KIND-HEARTED neighbours have rallied around a family whose lives were turned upside down by a devastating fire.
Firefighters rushed to Onslow Crescent, Colchester, on Tuesday afternoon after a cigarette discarded in the garden of a terraced house started a blaze which spread into the roof space of the property and three neighbouring homes.
After tackling the fire for almost three hours, the home was unrecognisable and left its occupiers without a roof over their heads.
An online appeal was launched on Wednesday, and it has been shared by hundreds of concerned well-wishers.
Launching a plea for donations, neighbour Sadi-Ann Pinfold wrote: “As many of you know we had a large fire break out on our row of homes.
“Unfortunately, our neighbours lost their family home along with everything they owned including irreplaceable treasured items.
“Luckily no-one was seriously hurt, but this means devastatingly a mum and two children – a young boy, two, and young girl, seven, are in need of some kind help.
“As we've seen many times a little help can go a long way, so I'm hoping this page will give the family a little hope at rebuilding what they have sadly lost.”
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Peter Dutch, who is the founder of Colchester’s Anti Loo Roll Brigade, also reached out to the mum-of-two to offer his assistance following the tragic accident.
He said: “We went to Matalan to buy clothes for the family and toys for the children, so their immediate needs are met.
“They lost everything but I’m going to stay in contact with the family and we’ll help with what we can, as and when our help is needed.”
The Anti Loo Roll Brigade, which was set up to support Colchester residents during the pandemic, has committed to helping the young family secure furniture as soon as they have found somewhere to live.
Berechurch councillor Martyn Warnes also visited the affected homes to offer the support of him and his fellow ward councillors.
The fire saw crews from six fire stations tackle the blaze. An adjoining house was left smoke damaged in the roof and first floor.
Donations can be made by visiting gofund.me/367ca143.
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