A FUNDRAISER has been launched to help a family that lost everything in a house fire last week.

Six fire crews were called to the blaze in Fownhope shortly after 3am last week.

The fire broke out in a roof space early on Wednesday morning, December 8, and quickly spread to a neighbouring property, with Nikki Simmons and her daughter and son losing all their possessions.

A Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Crews from Hereford, Ross, Fownhope, Whitchurch, Ledbury and Ewyas Harold were called at 3.18am to a house in the village where a fire in the roof space had spread to an adjoining property.

"All residents were able to leave the properties safely."

Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce praised the "superb efforts and commitment" of the crews, many of whom had been at Kidderminster the previous day fighting a major blaze on an industrial estate.

Meanwhile, Serena Preece has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help Nikki’s family, with more than £1,500 already pledged.

She posted: "This page is to help raise funds for a local family who lost everything in a house fire last night.

"This is completely devastating for the family. Nikki (Simmons) lives with her daughter and son who has autism, her young lad’s birthday is Friday (December 10) and the fire took everything.

"Her lad who has autism has had to leave his home with nothing, his whole world has been turned upside down and all he has cried for is his advent calendar. He wants to have his countdown to Xmas, this literally breaks my heart."

She asked for donations "to be able to give the children some sort of Xmas and a bit of a start to buy items for themselves."

To help, go to www.gofundme.com and search for Serena Preece: Devastating Loss For Family.

Fownhope Village Facebook page also put out an appeal yesterday (Tuesday, December 14) to help other victims of the blaze find accommodation for Christmas.

It said: "Following the recent fire and loss of their home, Mrs Mathews and Ian are in urgent need for self-catered accommodation for the Xmas period, preferably no stairs if possible and in the village of Fownhope.

"Please contact Ian 07850 304232."