Family left homeless after devastating house fire thank community for support

More than £500 has been raised for the family since last Thursday’s fire
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A family left homeless by a severe fire have thanked the local community for their ‘love and kindness’ as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

Ben Searle, his wife and 21-year-old son are currently staying in a hotel in Cribbs Causeway after the blaze at the family home in Cook Lane in Oldland Common last Thursday (July 14).

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They now join a waiting list for a new home with work to repair their property likely to take months. The family have also lost many of their belongings in the fire, including sentimental pictures.

Since the blaze, however, they have been supported by more than 20 people who have donated to a crowdfunder, raising more than £500 so far.

News of the fundraising has brought comfort to Mr Searle and his family through this difficult time.

One person was taken to hospital during the house fire in Oldland Common this morning (Credit: Joan Gibson)One person was taken to hospital during the house fire in Oldland Common this morning (Credit: Joan Gibson)
One person was taken to hospital during the house fire in Oldland Common this morning (Credit: Joan Gibson)

Mr Searle, who attends St Anne’s Church in Oldland Common and runs ukulele groups at Page Park in Staple Hill and Oldland Common, said: “It just shows the love and kindness and generosity in the community - we’re so grateful for all the support we’ve having, it has really helped us.”

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Mr Searle’s son was home alone when the fire started in a bedroom last Thursday morning. He managed to get out of the property safely before firefighters quickly arrived to extinguish the blaze.

The main bedroom and loft to the property were badly damaged by the blaze, which was caused by the overloading of sockets and daisy-chaining of extension cables according to the fire service.

Mr Searle said: “We lost pretty much everything in the bedroom - clothes, furniture and some sentimental items. There were also Christmas items in the loft which are now also gone.

“It is a very difficult time for us, but we’re trying our best. We hope to get back to the house as soon as we can. In the meantime we’re going backwards and forwards to the hotel.”

“But people’s kindness has made the situation easier,” he added.

You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.

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