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Family so grateful for help after blaze (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Family so grateful for help after blaze
11:00am Tuesday 1st January 2013 in News By Julie Magee
THANKFUL: Kay Gisbourne and her children Megan, 12, and Toby, 6 months, who found themselves homeless overnight after a fire at their flat in Anstey Close in Kinson
A FAMILY left homeless following a flat fire just days before Christmas have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Daily Echo readers.
Single mum Kay Gisbourne, her 12-year-old daughter Megan and six-month-old son Toby escaped with their lives after a blaze swept through their Anstey Close home in Kinson on December 20.
They were saved by their fire alarm but their possessions, including Christmas presents and birthday gifts for Megan, went up in flames. They were comforted by close friends Shereen and Pete Lewis who gave them their bed for the night. The big-hearted couple also launched an appeal for gifts and cash donations to help the family make a fresh start.
Since the fire, which is believed to have been caused by a faulty fridge, the Gisbournes have been staying at bed and breakfast accommodation in Bournemouth. They are expected to move into hostel accommodation while repairs are carried out to their gutted first-floor flat.
Shereen said: “The response from Daily Echo readers has been fantastic. Money is tight for everyone, particularly at Christmas, but people have really rallied round to help Kay and her children.
“One man gave Kay a cheque for £200; as well as money donations, vouchers and hundreds of gifts have come pouring in. It has been amazing, with gifts of furniture, pots and pans, clothes and toys. We took presents round to Kay’s father’s home in Boscombe and left them under the tree so they would all have something to open on Christmas Day.”
A 91-year-old Bournemouth woman, who wants to remain anonymous, contacted the Echo before posting off a £100 cheque to Kay. She said: “When I read what had happened I felt so sorry for the little girl and thought I would try and help out.”
Carol singing and a special collection at St Andrew’s church in Kinson raised £400, the British Lions charity donated £250 and Bournemouth YMCA arranged for much-needed storage facilities at Broadstone leisure centre while a collection at Kinson News funded a £150 voucher for the family.
