Companies across Walsall have teamed up to offer staff and materials towards renovation work at Maureen Curries’ home in Goscote Lane, Bloxwich.

Around £75,000 of damage was caused to the property last month during a thunderstorm but it was not covered by home contents insurance, which meant that the family lost everything.

At the time, Mrs Curries’ daughter Claire McMahon credited her mobile phone with saving her life as the lightning strike deflected off her phone and knocked it out of her hand as she made a call at the top of the stairs.

She fled the burning house unhurt with her mother, son Chad, aged 13, and her young niece and nephew.

Among those who have offered help with repairs after reading of the family’s plight in the Express & Star are Wayne Perry Skip Hire, Leamore Windows, GP Constructions, Focus, L&S Scaffolding, Waites Construction and Build Base Suppliers.

Miss McMahon, 29, who lived at the house with her mother said today: “It is such a great gesture what the businesses are doing. We are surprised because we didn’t expect anyone to help but we really appreciate it, although we are not sure when the house can be lived in again.”

Family friend Pete Smith said he was delighted to see the support offered to the family. The former councillor said: “It shows how people are prepared to rally round after such an accident.”

He appealed for anyone who knows a plasterer who can volunteer their services to contact 07886 647205.

By Craig Hughes

See also: Lightning strikes mum’s phone

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