Southampton residents raise cash for Thornhill fire victims

A Southampton community has stepped up to raise £1,000 to replace a garden shed and fencing destroyed in a fire.

John and Joyce Hayward were fast asleep when neighbours alerted them to a blaze in their back garden in the Thornhill area of the city.

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Local woman, Victoria Bartlett, has now launched a fundraising campaign - Thornhill community, WE can help!

Over the last four days, £425 has been raised by a total of 22 donors.

In a recent online statement, Victoria said: “WOW, you guys are amazing, we are already over 1/5th of the way there.

Damage to the rear of the Hayward's property.

“Keep sharing and boosting.

“Let people know that even a pound donated will be hugely appreciated.

“I can’t wait to be able to knock on John and Joyce’s door with an envelope of cash to hand over, to show them that their community cares.”

In an earlier post, she said: “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 burnt out inside 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.”

John, 88, and Joyce, 84 say that in February, someone set light to a bundle of clothing next to their side fence.

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They had to fork out £700 to repair damaged guttering and a melted gate as a result.

However, in the most recent fire, John lost most of the tools he uses to build model boats.

Commenting on the support from the community, John said: “The neighbours have been great. They have been brilliant.

Police are now investigating the cause of the fire at the home in the Thornhill area of Southampton.

“A nipper came round with a box of chocolates.”

Joyce, who celebrated her 84th birthday on Sunday, said how locals had helped them put up a temporary fence.

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Police have been said that no arrests have been made in connection with the blaze on Wednesday night last week.

However, an investigation has been launched.

Witnesses or anyone with any information is urged to call 101, quoting the reference 44210328576.

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