ILMINSTER NEWS: Family’s thanks for support a year on after devastating fire

AN ILMINSTER family has thanked everyone for their support and kindness – 12 months after a fire badly damaged their home and left them with only the clothes they were wearing.

It was around 3pm on Thursday, January 7, 2016, when three fire engines were sent out following reports of a large amount of smoke coming from the first-floor of a terraced property in West Street, Ilminster.

The flat was home to Adam and Liz Woodard and their two young sons Albert and George and they lost everything.

Thankfully everybody was out at the time – Adam was at work, while Liz and the two boys and their dog Bessie had gone out to the park.

“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,” said Liz at the time.

The Ilminster community – hearing of the family’s misfortune – soon rallied and an appeal was set-up asking for donations of clothes, toys and everyday items we all take for granted.

The appeal was inundated with donations and letters of support.

PHOTO - TOP: Adam and Liz Woodard with some of the donations they received a few days after the fire along with pictures of inside the burnt-out flat.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Liz Woodard in the charred remains of their home.

The family was homeless for six months after the fire and although they are now settled again in Ilminster, they still cannot thank people enough for the support they have received over the past year.

Liz, speaking a year on after the fire, said: “The fire turned our lives upside down. We lost everything we owned, our family was separated, and we were homeless for six months.

“We would never have got through it if it weren’t for the support, love, and kindness of our families, friends and the community.

“So thank you to each and every one of you.”

And Liz also said: “Check your smoke alarms!”

PHOTO - ABOVE: Firefighters at the scene in West Street on January 7, 2016.

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