A Gloucester mother and her two young children were left with nothing but the clothes they wore after a fire engulfed their home during this summer’s fifth heatwave.
Millie Reilly was at her Tredworth residence with her six-year-old daughter Darcie and two-year-old son Ellis when a blaze broke out in their garden and rapidly spread to the house.
The fire began at approximately 11.30am, caused by sunlight reflecting off a glass table onto rubbish bags, which ignited nearby bushes. From there, the flames quickly advanced into the property, destroying the family’s belongings.
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Millie recounted, “We escaped with just the clothes on our backs. I had to rush back inside to rescue Fred, our dog, who thankfully was unharmed – I’m incredibly grateful for that.
“But everything else – the house, the children’s possessions – has been lost. I usually manage to cope and keep going, so being in this situation feels genuinely overwhelming.”
The family managed to escape unscathed thanks to the quick actions of a neighbour’s daughter, who noticed the fire while playing in her garden and raised the alarm.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service arrived within ten minutes and brought the fire under control swiftly, remaining at the scene for five hours to prevent any resurgence.
The British Red Cross provided immediate support, assisting the family with accommodation in a Gloucester hotel, as well as food and clothing for the children. Millie, a Senior Care Support Worker, is currently staying with family and friends while awaiting council housing.
Unable to claim on contents insurance for their rented home, the family faces the daunting task of replacing all their lost valuables and essentials. Friends have organised fundraising efforts to help the 32-year-old mother and her children rebuild their lives.
A fundraiser seeks financial donations and specifically invites contributions of children’s clothes and toys. Funds raised will also be used to replace furniture lost in the fire.
Millie emphasised, “This isn’t about wanting anything extra. It’s about restoring some sense of normality for Darcie and Ellis after losing everything.”
Among the possessions destroyed were presents bought for Darcie’s upcoming sixth birthday on 25 August, as well as her school uniform and everyday items.
The Gloucestershire Crisis & Resilience Fund has also supported the family with vouchers for food shopping.
Millie expressed gratitude for the help received so far, stating, “The support has meant so much and is helping us begin to put our lives back together.”
Those wishing to donate children’s clothing or toys can contact Abbie Jaye Wilson at [email protected].