A family who lost nearly everything they had in a house fire last week have been aided by a “phenomenal” response from the local community.
The family – a mother and four boys aged eight, ten, 13 and 19 – had to flee their West Drove North home in Gedney Hill at 2am on Wednesday, April 1.
More than 30 animals also had to be rescued from the blaze including nine two- week-old kittens and eight puppies.
Sadly two animals are unaccounted for.
The family themselves were taken to hospital as a precaution but were thankfully uninjured.
Gedney Hill Parish Council launched an appeal to help the family that morning asking for help from the community and initially asking for items just to clothe the family.
It led to 42 bags of clothes being donated.
Not only that but a JustGiving page set up for the family has raised £3,000 through 120 donations.
That’s set to be boosted by two anonymous donations of £500 each according to district and parish councillor Paul Redgate who has helped co-ordinate the community response.
“The response from the community has been absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “Everyone has really come together to help this family and they’re so thankful for everything.
“It shows the good nature of the community around here.
“The response has been really brilliant especially in these difficult times which adds to the challenges.”
The family are all currently staying with family and friends and it’s hoped that static caravans will soon provide them with a temporary home. The Lighthouse Project are among the groups pledging support.
But one of the biggest challenges has been finding foster homes from the numerous pets the family had.
In total they had five cats, nine kittens, five dogs and eight puppies as well as chickens and rabbits.
Paul himself has taken on the kittens and two of the cats.
“I think the cats had to be rescued from the house themselves,” he said.
“The dogs were outside. We’ve found foster homes for the animals and they’ll all be returned to the family eventually.”
