Gedney Drove End family cannot accept donations after devastating fire

A Gedney Drove End family whose home was one of three devastated in a fire have said they are grateful to people for offering donations, but they cannot accept the money.

Sammie and Danny Mitchell and their three boys have had to leave their home in Pit Lane due to fire damage that spread from a neighbour’s garden.

Sammie (30) said: “I appreciate everything everyone has done but we don’t want to take people’s money.

“Everybody in the country is struggling with the increase in household bills and everybody has things going on.

“We are going to muddle through. Everyone has done enough.”

A Go Fund Me crowdfunding page had been established to help all the victims.

It is understood the fire started in the garden of Stephen Howe, who told the BBC a bonfire in his garden got out of control and spread to a hedge.

He said he had been told by fire crews that a material such as bubblewrap must have popped and sent sparks into the hedge.

The fire at 6.35pm on Saturday last week, spread to his home and destroyed it.

It then swept to the Mitchell’s home and a third home in the terrace of three.

All occupants are currently in temporary accommodation.

Neighbours and the community rallied to offer help.