A MUM has spoken of her devastation after a yoga studio in her back garden went up in flames which could have easily spread to her home.

Fleur Starling was woken at 4am last Wednesday, May 3, by husband Tristan as the fire broke out in the back garden of their home in Devereaux Crescent, Ebley.

Thinking he could hear rain or hail, Tristan looked out of the window to see their yoga studio, which is used as a business, engulfed in flames.

After he called 999, the fire escalated fast with the walls of the studio collapsing, a shed catching fire and the flames advancing to the house.

The couple, who have a daughter, Inca, three, say if the fire crew hadn't arrived so quickly the fire would have spread to their home.

Fleur, who moved to Stroud during the pandemic and runs a business called Yoga Fleur, said: "They were here in just 10 minutes.

"My husband said if they had been delayed the fire would have reached us.

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"I'm so relieved but absolutely devastated that my beautiful yoga studio was destroyed.

"I cherished it, it was my personal practice space in addition to my work space and a source of income.

“Thankfully Tristan woke up in time to catch it before it spread to the house and the neighbours and everyone were okay.

“I'm so grateful to the fire brigade and just so glad we are still safe and have a roof over our heads.

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“The sheer carnage and blackened remains of what used to be a big part of my livelihood is just devastating to behold.

“Seeing something you have built yourself destroyed like this is just terrible."

Fleur added that Inca slept through the whole thing.

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The cause of the blaze is unknown at this stage and an investigation has been launched.

A JustGiving appeal has now been launched to support the family with food, transport and bills - and nearly £5,000 has been raised so far.

Fleur and Tristan say they are incredibly grateful and touched by the kindness shown to them.

"We are deeply touched by the level of support from the community," said Fleur.

"Words of love and encouragement and of course the generosity have given us hope and a strong reason not to give up but to move forward with our work and lives."

Friend Joanna Petaloudas, who launched the appeal, said: “Let's wrap this family in the same kind of love that they have poured out to all of us for such a long time."

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