A LOVING sister has been described as having a ‘heart of gold’ after setting up a fundraising page to support her sibling after their Bromsgrove home burnt down in a devastating fire last week.
The large blaze broke out at a property in King Edward Road last Friday morning (February 21) and saw four people, including a woman, a man and two children rushed to hospital where they were found to have minor injuries.
Emergency services, including Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue, responded to the blaze, which left the family homeless after spreading from the next door neighbours loft.
Emma Watkins, the sister of the woman whose house the fire spread to, has launched a fundraising page to help cover the costs of accommodation and support the family as they try to rebuild their lives.
The family’s home has been determined as uninhabitable due to the fire and water damage from the firefighter’s efforts.
They are currently put up in a hotel through their insurer, with their home unlikely to be livable within the next 12 months.
She told the Standard: “I set up the fund without them knowing, to take some of the pressure off.
“She’s so grateful for me setting it up and said I’ve got a heart of gold.”
Emma went on to thank members of the community who have donated to fund which has raised £375 towards its initial goal of £1,600.
The sister with a heart of gold added: “I couldn’t be more thankful for the people who donated.
“It’s a story of the community coming together. It’s all about supporting and helping one another to get through such a tough time.”
Alongside Emma’s fundraiser, a further page was set up by the nephew of the other homeowner, to help them with replacing clothes and belongings lost in the blaze.
On that page he said: “Any donations to help towards getting them back on their feet would be highly appreciated.”
An appeal for clothes was also made on the Love Sidemoor Facebook page and the community rallied around to help.
Visit gofundme.com/f/devastating-fire-destroyed-my-sisters-house or gofundme.com/f/6mnxhf-house-fire-destroyed-family-home/ to donate.
