Donations flood in after blaze leaves Brownhills family homeless
Neighbours have rallied around a family who have been made homeless following a house blaze and are appealing for donations to help replace clothing, furniture and bedding that were destroyed.
The blaze, believed to have been sparked by fairy lights, broke out in a child's bedroom at the semi-detached property in Ogley Crescent, Brownhills, on Friday afternoon.
Flames destroyed furniture, clothing, toys and games, left a hole in both the roof of the house and bedroom floor and smoke-logged the property.
A couple and their 10 children, aged between two and 17, who live at the rented property, managed to get outside by the time fire crews arrived but have been told they will not be able to return for up to four months while repairs are carried out.
The family are currently staying with relatives while they wait to be rehomed in temporary accommodation.
Kind-hearted neighbours who have appealed for donations on social networking sites to help the family say they have already received clothing, kitchen equipment and bedding. More than £180 was also raised in a street collection.
Caroline Watkinson, who lives near the family, has been helping to collect donations.
The 49-year-old said: "It has been devastating for them, I'm glad everyone got out. They are a lovely family. We are one big family here and we are trying to help."
Anyone able to offer donations is asked to contact Mrs Watkinson via email at mrswok@fsmail.net
