OVER £18,000 has been raised for two families that have lost their homes and pets following a devastating fire in Gosforth.
Investigations are ‘ongoing’ after a fire spread through several buildings in the village, including the Budgens store on Main Street, at around 7am on August 15.
Initially, ten fire engines, a welfare unit and a joint incident command unit were called from across Cumbria to extinguish the blaze.
A multi-agency inspection of the site was carried out on Friday (August 16), after an overnight presence from firefighters was maintained at the site.
A spokesperson for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
“Our teams will have a visible presence in the Gosforth community, delivering safety and reassurance visits, over the comings days and weeks.
“To carry out a home fire safety check, visit www.cumbriafire.gov.uk/safety-home.”
Tragically, the fire resulted in the loss of two family pets: Maurice the cat and Alfie the parrot.
In an update on the JustGiving page (August 18), it reads: “While there's much to mourn, there's also so much to celebrate in the midst of this heartache. The incredible outpouring of support from our community and beyond has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“The money will be evenly distributed between the two families, to help them begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. Let’s aim even higher and see if we can reach £20,000 before those 11 days are up.
“I want to express my deepest thanks to everyone who has donated, offered support or lent a helping hand in any way over these last three days. Your kindness is making a real difference.”
You can visit the JustGiving page via https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Gosforth-fire-2024
As well as the JustGiving page, at the time of the fire, Gosforth Parish Council issued an 'urgent appeal' for clothing to those affected with a donation point being set up at St Marys Church.
The parish council took to social media to thank the community for the village for their ‘generosity’ over the weekend.
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