Nothing left after blaze (From Stroud News and Journal)

Nothing left after blaze

A YOUNG mum and her little boy have been left homeless after their home was gutted by fire last Tuesday.

Kirstie O'Neill and little Jake, 4 were not insured and lost everything in the blaze including their pet budgie.

The SNJ is today launching a appeal to help to get them back on their feet. We know there are thousands of kind hearted readers out there. Can you help Kirstie and Jake to rebuild their lives before Christmas? "I was out taking Jake to school on Tuesday when the fire happened," Kirsie told the SNJ.

"I got home and there were fire men everywhere and smoke pouring out the windows. "Everything was ruined - nothing was insured."

Fire fighters believe the fire started due to an electrical fault in the television. All the possessions Kirstie has collected during her life went up in smoke. All their clothes, furniture and Jake's toys were destroyed.

"Everything was fine when I set off but it was all gone when I got back and the house was ruined," said Kirstie. "It was shocking.

"I was relieved we were out when it had happened but gutted that we had lost everything."

"Everything in the front room was completely burned," she said. "And things from the rest of the house have been smoke damaged.

"We managed to get some clothes from inside but they stink of smoke - you can't get rid of the smell." Kirstie and Jake are currently staying with her boyfriend's parents.

The work on the damaged Dudbridge house, owned by a housing association, is expected to take five weeks.

Kirstie has thanked the passing motorist who raised the alarm and the fire fighters for all their help.

*Anybody who can help Kirstie with toys, furniture, clothes or other household goods should call the Stroud News & Journal on 01453 762412 and we will put them in touch.