Fundraiser launched to help 'devastated' Portsmouth family whose home was destroyed on New Year's Day

Michael McCormick his wife, Montse, and their teenaged son have been left homeless after a blast blew apart their home in Whale Island Way, Stamshaw.

Miraculously, the family of three escaped with minor injuries. But their home, and most of their possessions, were destroyed in the explosion.

Now a fundraising campaign has been launched by friends to help them – and drummed up more than £600 in a matter of hours.

The GoFundMe drive was organised by Dave Reed, whose wife Alison works with Montse at the North Harbour branch of Tesco.

The 64-year-old said that as well as the cash donations, ‘strangers’ had contacted him offering to donate clothes, washing machines and other supplies.

‘That’s Portsmouth for you – the city comes together in times of need,’ he added. ‘People have been incredibly generous, it’s been great.’

Fire crews from six stations across the area were scrambled to the scene, as neighbours living in Whale Island Way were evacuated to nearby HMS Excellent.

The News understands the shell-shocked McCormicks are now staying in a hotel and being supported by Portsmouth City Council and the British Red Cross.

SEE ALSO: China issues chilling warning to the Royal Navy over aircraft carrier mission

Alison, who has known Montse for several years, added her friends were still trying to come to terms with the disaster.

‘I spoke to Montse this morning and she is devastated – they have literally been left with nothing,’ said the 55-year-old.

‘I just can’t believe what’s happened to them. It’s something you see about in the papers but its always someone else, never someone you know.

‘I feel so drained and gutted for them.’

Dave added the family had been lucky to escape from the explosion.

‘It’s hard to comprehend that someone managed to walk away alive from something in such a state,’ he said. ‘There was someone definitely watching over them yesterday.’

To support the fundraiser, see gofund.me/d0a25bf8

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as our new Puzzles section.