Fundraiser for Policeman Who Lost Family in Boxing Day Fire Surpasses £300,000

A fundraising campaign supporting Gloucestershire police officer Tom Shearman, who tragically lost his wife and two children in a devastating Boxing Day house fire, has now raised over £300,000.

The fire engulfed the family’s home in Brimscombe, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of December 26th. Despite his desperate attempts to save them, Mr. Shearman was unable to rescue his wife, Fionnghuala “Nu” Shearman, and their children, seven-year-old Eve and four-year-old Ohner, as the blaze intensified.

Mr. Shearman, who was hospitalized for treatment following the incident, has since been discharged. In response to this heartbreaking loss, a GoFundMe appeal was launched shortly after the tragedy, initially targeting £110,000 but quickly exceeding expectations with over 15,000 donations raising more than £300,000 by New Year’s Eve. The new fundraising goal is set at £350,000.

Funds collected will help provide emergency accommodation, clothing, and vital financial support for Mr. Shearman during this difficult time.

Emergency services responded to the fire around 3 a.m. at the mid-terrace Cotswold stone cottage on Brimscombe Hill. The family was awoken by the fire, and Mr. Shearman attempted to reach his children in their rear bedroom by smashing a bathroom window, but the intense fire prevented entry. He was also unable to force open the ground-floor doors due to the severity of the blaze.

Investigations have determined that the fire likely started on the ground floor but is not being treated as suspicious. The fire destroyed the roof, ceilings, stairs, and caused extensive internal damage.

Tragically, the remains of the two children and the family dog were recovered from the property, alongside the body of a woman believed to be in her late 30s, confirmed on Tuesday.

In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, Nu’s close friend Carmen described her as someone who “loved big and hard” and expressed profound sorrow at the loss. She urged others to cherish their loved ones, emphasizing Nu’s warmth and generosity.

The fundraising campaign continues to welcome donations to support Tom Shearman as he navigates life after an unimaginable loss.