Fire-hit Sunderland care home boss 'overwhelmed' by kindness as fundraiser hits £6,600

Kathryn Hudson has said her team is “completely devastated" by the fire, which broke out in the roof void of the Croft Care Home in Ettrick Grove in Barnes just after 10.30am on Friday, June 26.

Six people, including two residents, were taken to hospital, while eight of the 27 residents evacuated were rescued by firefighters, with 43 officers at scene as the fire raged at its height.

An investigation into the cause is ongoing by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, which was supported during the incident by the North East Ambulance Service, Northumbria Police and Salvation Army.

In the wake of the fire, which left a section of the building structurally damaged, a fundraiser was launched, initially to buy essential items as residents they were taken to another home to be looked after.

Now it is set to be used for longer-term support, with Jolene Casey’s appeal hitting more than £6,600.

The businesswoman, who also runs the Food Porn North East blog, arranged for Delicious Dinners in Pennywell to drop off Sunday lunch for the residents and four staff.

Kathryn said: “We are completely devastated with the loss of our home.

“The staff remained calm throughout a terrifying situation and followed our evacuation procedures which resulted in no casualties or serious injuries.

“This would not have been possible without the support from the emergency services, my colleagues and staff.

“I would personally like to thank the local community for their amazing donations of food, toiletries and clothing.

“I would particularly like to thank Jolene Casey for the significant amount of money she has raised, this will make a huge difference for the residents.

“We hope to have their home restored as soon as possible.

“The support and kind words from everyone has made a devastating event more bearable.”

Deputy manager Ashley McHugh added: “I would just like to say how overwhelmed and amazed by the love and support that has been shown by the community in helping support our staff and residents in this hugely stressful time.

“Jolene Casey has done absolutely amazingly well at supporting and bringing a community together, so thank you, we are forever grateful.

“I don’t think people realise the effect this has had for the staff who were on shift at the time and the aftermath.

“Feelings are high, we have lost our whole life and family - but we will be back.”

Jolene added: “I’ve been blown away by the community, I’ve been crying my eyes out, and it’s the fact that people have said they are skint but have still made that donation.

“We’ve had one businesswoman in the town give £500 and then a mam-of-three giving £5 out of her purse and we’re just grateful for every penny.”

Donations can be made via https://www.gofundme.com/f/21upy1uc00.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.