A COMMUNITY has rallied together to support a family who were left devastated just days after Christmas.
Dafydd Geoffrey Marks was at home with his fiancé Rebecca Aldous and two young children when their chip pan caught fire and their kitchen went up in flames.
He told the Leader that they are unable to return to their home due to the damage but the whole Bagillt community has come together to help them get back on their feet.
Rebecca Aldous and Dafydd Geoffry Marks with their children Tyler James Aldous and Cari-Ann Elizabeth Marks Aldous
Dafydd said: “It was caused by a chip pan on fire in the kitchen and we lost a lot of stuff. It was an accident, but we were left with pretty much nothing.
“All of our children’s things and a lot of our personal belongings, just gone.
“We posted it on Facebook because everyone in our community was asking questions about what had happened. It’s a small community so everyone knows everyone.
Images above and below: Damage to their home after fire
“We posted what happened and asked if there was anything anyone could do to help out and everyone came together as a community and donated items such as a Moses basket and clothes.
“We were really overwhelmed, especially with the fundraising page reaching over £300 which we set up to help pay for the carpets and damage in the kitchen.
“We weren’t expecting so much, everyone has really come together to help.”
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they received the call on Friday evening, December 27 to reports of a house on fire in Bagillt.
Two pumps attended, one from Flint and one from Holywell and used two pumps, two breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet to control the blaze.
Dafydd added: “Everyone has been so supportive of me and my fiancé, we can’t even go the shop without people asking are we okay and is there anything they can do for us.
“We were devastated because it was so close to Christmas.
“It was a scary experience. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t scare easily but that scared the life out of me, and it could have been so much worse. We had our two-year-old and three-month old with us.
“We are just really grateful for everyone’s support. If there’s anything that I can do for anyone, no matter what it is, all they have to do is ask.
“It’s been mental with the amount of people coming out to help. It’s nice to see so much community spirit.”
Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at www.facebook.com/donate/966907067029145/
Rebecca Aldous said on social media: "Our entire kitchen is ruined. Our whole home is covered in thick black smoke and smells of smoke.
"Every single penny raised will be going towards our family for a fresh start. New bedrooms, kitchen, hallway, living room and bathroom.
"My two-year-old son and my three-month-old daughter got out safe and were taken to our neighbours.
"Sadly we have lost an awful lot of our belongings, some which could never be replaced. If you could help us today, we would be so so grateful."
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