‘Our community stands with you’: Fundraising appeal grows after major fire in Shipston-on-Stour
A fundraising appeal is receiving huge support after Saturday’s major house fire in Shipston which left a woman in a critical condition and a man seriously injured.
The blaze totally destroyed the block of flats off Husbandmans Close. It is understood two people jumped from a first floor window to escape the flames.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) released a statement today (Monday) – see here.
Four fire appliances from Warwickshire and Gloucestershire, eight police cars, ambulances and two air-ambulance cars rushed to the scene after the fire broke out at around 8pm.
And Shipston’s Mayor, Richard Walters has paid tribute to all those who responded and continue to offer help in an ‘incredibly frightening experience’.
Mr Walters used the Mayor’s social media page to say: “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who responded and offered assistance during what must have been an incredibly frightening experience for those involved.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the residents affected, particularly those who have lost their homes or been displaced. I am very grateful to Councillor Jo Valentine Barker for liaising with the relevant services and keeping me informed.
"I cannot imagine how distressing this must be for our neighbours and I hope they receive all the care, support and reassurance they need in the days and weeks ahead.
“I want to pay particular tribute to Warwickshire and neighbouring Fire and Rescue Services, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Warwickshire Police and our local Community First Responders whose professionalism, courage and dedication were evident throughout.
“I am also immensely grateful to the members of our community who stepped forward to help, whether by providing vital information, offering practical assistance or simply looking out for their neighbours. To everyone who helped last night, thank you. You represent the very best of Shipston. And to everyone affected, please know that our community stands with you.”
The blaze has shocked the town which is now pulling together to raise money to help those left without homes or their possessions.
An appeal has has raised nearly £2,500 within 12 hours of publication. Townsfolk are flooding social media with offers of furniture, bedding and household equipment to restore the flats when they are rebuilt.
Abi Coombs, of Hawthorn Way, Shipston, who started the GoFundMe fundraiser, said there was mystery around the cause of the fire.
"The block of four flats is destroyed and and there's much damage to the adjoining block,” she said.
“It’s right next to the primary school which hasn't been affected. One of its entrances has been blocked off.
"Lots of people were asking for a GoFundMe appeal so I set one up. I can't believe we've raised so much in 12 hours. It is amazing. Shipston is one of those places – we have such a great community. Everyone comes together.”
Ms Coombs said Shipston Town Council is setting up a bank account specially for the relief effort and the money raised will be deposited there.
“It is going to need long-term support and help. It's brought to the forefront how quickly your life can be turned upside down – how easily we're all only one night away from being homeless in this way. It could happen to anyone.”