'We look after each other': Fundraiser for Sandy fire victims raises nearly £1k

A fundraising drive for victims of a devastating fire in Sandy's Winchester Road has totalled nearly £1,000.

The community rallied together after a blaze started on the end of a terrace and spread to the next house along the road on Tuesday, September 29, just after 1.30pm.

Neighbour Nicki Trim started an online fundraising page to help those who had either lost their possessions or suffered smoke damage - and was "overwhelmed" by the response.

Nicki told the Chronicle: "In total, it raised £918 that was split between two families - the one directly next to where the house fire started and the one further up.

"One family will be getting essentials - clothing, school uniforms, and the other family will be replacing their guttering.

"The community have been amazing. I have had multiple messages from people and it was just so nice that everyone came together. A massive thank you to everyone who donated."

Nicki has also received donations of storage boxes, clothing and toys to help people - and says that one pair of children's boots was sent all the way from Bristol.

Meanwhile, it is understood that the kindhearted community has supported a separate fundraiser for the family of the house where the fire started.

Nicki added: "People look after each other round here. People have donated their money, their items, their time, and between them the two fundraisers have raised an enormous amount."

Nicki says that people are still welcome to donate to her online appeal to ensure that help is available if it's still needed.

She is also encouraging people to get in touch if they need assistance cleaning smoke damage, as there are businesses willing to help.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire crews based in Bedford, Biggleswade, Kempston, Leighton Buzzard, Sandy, Shefford and Toddington attended, with firefighters using four hose reel jets, two 52ml jets and an aerial platform to extinguish the fire. The cause was indeterminate due to the heavy fire damage at the scene."

If you need help, please click here to contact Nicki via her Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/nicki.trim