Community rallies around victims of Leigh Park fire in Wellow Close as Bidbury Junior School is 'inundated' with donations

On Sunday, a fire broke out in Wellow Close, damaging four houses as flames spread across the roof.

The news rocked the nearby community, and a massive influx of support has followed in the wake of the blaze.

A fundraising page has been set up on GoFundMe to give the victims some much-needed cash, and a nearby school has also rushed to their aid.

Bidbury Junior School in Fraser Road, Bedhampton, is connected to one of the house fire victims.

But an appeal launched on Sunday night has shown the true community spirit of Leigh Park, as members of the public flooded the school with essentials for those who have been made homeless.

Headteacher Caroline Mason was heartbroken when she heard about the fire.

She said: ‘I had a phone call on Sunday from a member of staff, who explained what happened.

‘We are devastated for the families, it’s the last thing they need after how difficult this year has been.

‘They have been left with absolutely nothing – they didn’t even have shoes on when they fled the house.’

On Sunday evening, the school set itself up as a community hub, was inundated with clothes, toiletries and household goods.

Overall, more than 60 bags were donated to the school, which will be divvied up between the families.

Any leftover clothing will be given to a textiles firm in exchange for cash, which will also be handed to the victims.

Mrs Mason said: ‘We didn’t know how much support there would be, but opened the school hall for donations.

‘People in Leigh Park really pull together in times of hardship like this – it’s really heartwarming to see.

‘Eight bags of emergency supplies have been given out to victims already, and we will make sure they get whatever they need.’

The headteacher added that the school will continue taking donations for the next couple of days, and can make arrangements to collect items too.

To donate to the fundraiser for the Wellow Close victims, people can go to gofundme.com/f/7deynk-house-fire.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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