Southampton community rallies to support couple after fire destroys garden

The Haywards have been struck with disaster after a blaze damaged a large chunk of their back garden.

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A "huge fire" ripped through their garden shed leaving it a charred wreck.

Fencing and plants were also damaged during the incident on Wednesday night in the Thornhill area of the city.

John and Joyce Hayward.

John, 88, a retired master boatbuilder would spend hours building models in his shed, however, his tools have now been destroyed.

A local woman has now launched a fundraiser to help the Haywards replace their property.

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In an online statement, Victoria Bartlett said: "Hi Thornhill Community,

"On 18/8/21 at around 1am one of our own suffered a fire to their property.

"They have lost their security and privacy in the complete loss of their back fence, their shed and its contents and other garden items too.

"Having suffered the devastating loss a fire brings ourselves, I know how the generosity of friends, family and total strangers helped lift us up and carry us along, So I’m asking you all to donate something to this worthy reason.

The ruin of John's workshop.

"It really doesn’t matter how big or small the donation but let’s come together as a unit and show this lovely couple that we can and will all help."

At the time of writing, £185 has been raised with the overall target set at £1,000.

Victoria added: "I’d love to be able to hand them an envelope of cash that would pay for their fence, get a small shed and give them back the security and privacy of a secluded garden again."

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Speaking to a Daily Echo reporter on Thursday, the Haywards praised their neighbours.

John said: "The neighbours have been great. They have been brilliant.

"A nipper came round with a box of chocolates."

Others have even given them flowers.

Police are now investigating the cause of the fire.

Joyce, who turns 84 on Sunday, August 22, said how locals had helped them put up a temporary fence.

Police have confirmed that the fire is now being investigated and that it is thought the fence was set alight.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting 44210328576.

To donate, visit 'Thornhill community, WE can help!' on GoFundMe.