Community / Remarkable response sees tens of thousands raised for Lerwick family who lost home in fire
A LERWICK family who lost their home and belongings in a huge fire on Tuesday have seen the community raise tens of thousands of pounds in their name.
Jolene and Neil Tindall’s Cheyne Crescent home – which they share with sons Eddie and Ollie – was destroyed in a blaze which required eight fire appliances to extinguish.
A JustGiving page was set up on Wednesday night to raise money for the Tindalls, with an initial goal of £500.
However within minutes the appeal had surged past that figure, and had raised almost £10,000 an hour later.
As of Thursday afternoon, it had already raised over £18,000.
A second fundraising page has also now been set up to raise money for the Dedman family – who live next door to the Tindall’s – whose home was also damaged by the fire.
It said that the residents, Kerry and Ellie, had been left “devastated” by the damage this week.
“We have started this page to give people the opportunity to offer much needed support to the family.
“The family are incredibly thankful for everyone’s love and support. We send our love and thoughts to the Tindall’s too. The damage caused by house fires is devastating.”
The Tindall’s fundraising page was started by Lerwick hairdressing salon Envi, where Jolene works, and has been shared around 200 times on Facebook.
“Everyone at Envi would like to start this page to give people the opportunity to support them and to help them get started again and build a new home,” the fundraiser said.
“The family are overwhelmed and very thankful for everyone’s love and support and everyone who knows them knows how kind, generous and hardworking they are.
“They would do anything for anyone and are always the first to offer a helping hand.
“Everyone at Envi would be grateful for any donations received.”
Tuesday’s fire also spread to a neighbouring property, which has also been damaged.
Local fire commander Matt Mason said his thoughts were with both families that had been affected this week.
“It’s been absolutely devastating for them,” he said.
However Mason said the community response had been incredible – with people donating items to the Tindalls before fire crews had even left the scene on Tuesday, he added.
“It’s been really heartwarming to see the community and local businesses reaching out to support the families in their time of need,” he said.
One person was treated at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service on Tuesday.
You can donate to the Dedman’s fundraising page here, and to the Tindall’s fundraising page here.
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