'Beyond grateful': Fantastic Echo readers praised after their support for couple who lost all in a house fire

Sunderland Echo readers have responded in style after hearing the devastating news that a couple lost all of their possessions in a house fire.

Around £1,000 was donated since our first story on Alan and Liz Hogan who escaped with just their winter coats, mobile phones and their two dogs when the blaze spread from the attic of the house next door.

It then went through the roof of their home in Tuscan Road at 2am on Sunday during Storm Boelo. The couple could only watch in the pouring rain from the street below as their belongings were destroyed.

Liz, 51, lost all of her cherished mementoes of her late parents Philip and Georgia Rafferty who were tenants in the house before Liz took it over.

Alan lost all of the camera equipment that he used as a gifted photographer who volunteers his time to capture milestone events and special occasions for friends, family, and community members - at zero cost.

Their friend Neil Christey set up a GoFundMe page to support the couple who he described as ‘an absolute pair of angels. I am reaching out to ask people to support two of the most selfless people I know.”

The page hopes to raise £7,000 and so far, more than £2,100 has been donated. Both Liz and Alan, who is 52, work in social care, often on night shifts, and look after vulnerable and elderly people. Liz also hosts free sound-healing sessions for people going through difficult times.

Neil told us: “Thank you so much to you and your readers.

“Each donation no mater how small is going towards rebuilding their lives. Bringing support to them is essential at the moment. Liz and Alan are beyond grateful for the donations that we have had in so far.”

The story also prompted an outpouring of support for the couple on social media, including these posts on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page.

Deb White: “My heart goes out to you both Alan nd Liz, such a lovely couple xx”

Donna T Marie: “Such an amazing couple. So pleased yous are both safe, with your fur babies. Absolutely devastated for you both. Sending yous both hugs. Xxx”

Diane Robson Butler: “Glad your both safe this is awful x”

Tracy Smallwood: “So pleased yous are safe. This is so devastating to such a lovely couple sending you both love and hugs.”

Anyone wanting to support Liz and Alan should visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-liz-and-alan-and-their-pups-after-a-tragic-house-fire