Chorley community unites after fire leaves boy, 11, and woman in 30s hospitalised
Community fundraising surpasses £19,000 to support recovery and rebuild efforts
A family from Chorley has lost their home after a fire broke out in Clayton-le-Woods late Tuesday night, leaving an 11-year-old boy and a woman in her 30s in critical condition.
Emergency services were called to the house on Greenwood on Tuesday night where firefighters worked to tackle the blaze.
According to the police, the boy suffered severe burns and remains in critical condition at the hospital. The woman also sustained serious injuries and is being treated in hospital.
Community effort through donations and GoFundMe
Neighbours and the wider community have rallied to support the family during this challenging time. Mitch Thomas, a neighbour, has set up a fundraiser that has already raised over £19,000 of its £24,000 target since its launch less than a week ago.
Mitch said: "It's been mind-blowing and it's been uplifting and I think it has made things a lot easier for everybody. I know obviously the family that impacted directly, they've got a long road, they've got a lot of recovery and they need the support, but the support that's been offered to us that are helping them has been blown away as well and it's gone so far and wide."
Donations of clothes, shoes, toiletries, and other essentials are also being collected at Crust & Soul Pizzeria on Market Street, Chorley. Items sought include men’s clothing (size L), boys’ clothes (age 14), girls’ clothes (age 10), men’s shoes (size 7 and 9), and girls’ shoes (size 2).
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said, “Our thoughts are very much with them and their family as they undergo treatment.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by both police and fire services.
To support the family, donations can be made via the GoFundMe page at: Help a family that lost everything in a house fire