FUNDRAISERS have thanked the community for giving generously to support families whose lives have been devastated by a suspected gas explosion.
Two online fundraising campaigns were set up last week in response to the ‘catastrophic’ blast at a terraced house on Hugh Street in Bransty, Whitehaven, on New Year’s Eve.
The explosion ripped through the home of an elderly couple whose daughter had been staying with them over the festive period. All three were seriously injured and taken to hospital, where they remain in a critical but stable condition.
Neighbours have been evacuated from their homes while investigations take place and work is carried out to ensure the area is safe.
Online fundraisers were set up by Sarah Buchanan, a relative of the family who were injured, and neighbour, Matthew Stephenson, who lives on Hugh Street. A combined total of almost £14,000 has been raised from the two pages.
Mr Stephenson wanted to bring relief to the residents of Hugh Street and has described them as ‘really good people who would do anything for you’.
The 35-year-old, who has been evacuated from his home, said: “We are really grateful to everyone who has donated and want to thank everyone for doing so. The money will go a long way to alleviate ongoing pressures for residents.
“If anyone can donate anything, please continue to do so. We want to keep it going and keep helping those who we know would and have always helped others.”
Speaking after the explosion, Mrs Buchanan said all the money raised from her fundraising page would go directly to the family who were seriously injured and lost their home.
She said that the couple’s son had flown from his home in Sweden to the UK to be with his family.
In an update on her fundraising page, Mrs Buchanan wrote: “Thank you so much to each and every one who has donated, for everyone’s kind messages and for just being there for this beautiful family.
“It honestly just goes to show what a great community we live in, when in times of need we all come together.”
Cumberland Council continues to provided support to those affected by the explosion and a second residents meeting was due to be held at Bransty Primary School on Tuesday evening.
To donate to Mrs Buchanan’s fundraiser, click here and to donate to Mr Stephenson’s fundraiser, click here.