Community responding generously to fundraising appeals after 'devastating' blaze gutted homes in Greenisland
Two families whose homes were gutted by fire in Greenisland have paid tribute to the community for rallying to their aid following the launch of fundraising appeals.
The blaze, which destroyed two properties and damaged another two on Knockleigh Drive, is believed to have been causedby embers from a nearby Eleventh Night bonfire, according to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).
Separate appeals have, so far, raised over £8,400 and £2,800 respectively for two of the households affected.
Lori Withers and partner Danielle lost their house in the incident. In her GoFundMe appeal, Lori’s mum Debbie explained that her daughter’s first home “which she worked hard to to buy and which she shared with her partner Danielle and wee dog Rascal was completely destroyed”.
Thankfully, Debbie added, they all got out of the house unscathed but witnessed their home “ravaged by a fire which showed no compassion for the devastation it was causing”.
She went on to explain: “I am doing this because where do you start when all you have left is what you are wearing?”
At time of going to press, £8,419 had been raised.
And in an update, Debbie paid tribute to the community for their response: “We as a family want to send a massive heart felt thank-you to each and everyone of you who have supported the GoFundMe – the generosity is overwhelming.
"We want to also thank everyone who has reached out to offer support, no words will ever truly express the depth of our gratitude.”
Meanwhile, Kathy Browne, a friend of a family-of-six whose home was badly damaged, has launched a similar appeal.
Writing on the GoFundMe platform, Kathy said: “In the early hours of 12th of July a fire broke out at the rear of their family home, with their daughter still inside the house.
"The fire quickly took hold destroying everything outside before spreading to neighbouring houses. Then an old oil tank caught fire causing windows to be blown out downstairs.
"Their daughter has been left with literally the pyjamas she was wearing.”
She added: “The house is still standing but badly damaged. So I ask if you can give anything, no matter how small, it'll be given go to try and help replace what was lost.”
Expressing her appreciation with £2,845 raised following the launch of the appeal, Kathy added: “I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated already and please ask you to keep sharing. Your kindness, generosity, and encouragement have meant more than I can put into words.
"Knowing so many people are supporting this family during this difficult time has brought them comfort and hope. They are forever grateful for every single one of you.”
At the height of the blaze, the NIFRS had 45 firefighting personnel at the scene, six pumping appliances, a Command Support Unit and an aerial ladder.
In an earlier statement, a spokesperson for NIFRS said: "Further to completing our fire investigation today the most probable cause is thought to be accidental ignition due to embers from a nearby bonfire.”