ILMINSTER NEWS: Town unites to support Ilminster family whose flat was severely damaged in fire

UNDERNEATH the dirt and grime on the faces of Adam and Liz Woodard the smiles shine through as they have been left truly amazed and humbled by the kindness of people in their hometown of Ilminster.

Adam and Liz have spent the past few days trying to see what can be salvaged from the blackened remains of their flat in West Street which suffered a devastating fire on Thursday (January 7, 2016).

But they have been literally bowled over following the fire by the support they have received from family, friends and people they do not even know who have been offering them help with possessions and everyday items we all take for granted.

Adam, who is celebrating his 33rd birthday today (Wednesday, January 13, 2016) and Liz, 32, who have two young sons, Albert, two, and one-year-old George, were out when the fire broke out on Thursday afternoon.

The Fire Service reported that three fire engines from Ilminster and Chard attended the incident after the alarm was raised at just before 3pm.

They found a large amount of smoke coming from the first-floor of the terraced property.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Adam and Liz Woodard with some of the items which have been donated to them following the fire.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Liz Woodard within the blackened remains of their home.

Adam was at work in Taunton with Voyager Care when he received a phone call to say what was happening, while his wife and two sons, plus the family dog Bessie, had gone out for a walk to the park.

Liz said: “It was strange because I heard the sirens and didn’t think anything of it and then as we were getting nearer to home it began to sink in what was happening because people were asking if we were alright.

“What’s weird is that we would normally leave Bessie at home, but on this occasion we decided to take her with us.”

Their flat has suffered terrible devastation and virtually everything they owned has either been destroyed in the fire or has been damaged beyond repair due to the thick smoke.

But out of adversity has come truly remarkable community spirit – thanks to the people and businesses of Ilminster.

Donations of clothes, children’s toys, bedding, furniture and electrical appliances have been made along with money and food and toiletries and simple make-up.

Adam and Liz went along to the Ile Youth Centre in Ilminster on Saturday to see what had been donated and words were not needed nor questions asked – their eyes said it all.

A number of hand-written notes had been left by well-wishers with their donations and these too also brought tears to the surface.

But there is no doubt that the fantastic support they have received has made these difficult past few days more bearable for Adam and Liz.

“We would just like to thank everyone,” they said. “It is truly humbling – overwhelming.”

It is understood that the fire started accidentally due to an electrical fault.

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