Almost £20,000 raised to help rebuild Horsham man's life after losing everything in a fire
Simba Chitsatso says that while the experience was "brutal", being helped by strangers has given him "hope".
Almost £20,000 has been raised to help a Horsham man rebuild his life - just days after a fire destroyed his home.
Ten fire engines attended the scene on Queen Street last Saturday, with Simba Chitsatso and his family evacuated so quickly they didn't even have time to put on shoes.
Since, the community has rallied together, bringing the family clothes and footwear, while his employer has given them temporary accommodation as they try to get back on their feet.
He told Greatest Hits Radio that while the experience was "brutal", being helped by strangers has given him "hope":
"The kids were screaming, and I was shaking.
"There were moments that I was thinking of giving up and moving back home.
"But the impact the community has given me - are that it's given me hope.
"I feel really calm and collected knowing there are dozens around me that really care for someone."
The family moved from Zimbabwe just three years ago, and lost the life they have built so far.
Simba continued: "I've never seen the community coming together like this and helping a stranger, which I find amazing.
"It's overwhelming what a community can do to someone who is down, who they've never met, who is a total stranger.
"It's amazing."
The fundraiser was started by a local Facebook community page admin, James, who runs Spotted: Horsham.
The pair are strangers, but are planning to meet each other for the first time this weekend.
In a recent Facebook post, James wrote:
"Thanks to your kindness, we have far exceeded our goal to support the family who recently lost their home and possession’s in a devastating fire.
"The outpouring of support, love, and generosity from this community has been nothing short of incredible."
You can donate to the family here.