Woman 'grateful' for community support after fire destroys her home
Debbie Logan-Collingburn and her children were asleep when the blaze broke out at their house in Three-Legged Cross on July 29. The family managed to escape with only the clothes they were wearing.
Debbie said: 'I'm currently focused on making sure my children's needs are met. My needs are quite far down the list at the moment.'
She explained that her three children are currently being housed in three separate locations, while she is staying in emergency accommodation around 10 miles away in a guest house.
'I'm trying to find a way to be with my youngest daughter, who's only eight years old,' she added. 'She's barely eaten anything in three days. Her body and her mind are struggling with what's happened.'
Debbie, who recently underwent two hip replacement surgeries, one in January and another just five weeks ago, said she had been in recovery when the fire occurred.
'It just feels surreal. nothing makes sense. I'm supposed to be resting and recovering, and now this,' she said.
Despite the devastation, Debbie expressed deep gratitude for the support she's received.
'I'm very humbled. accepting help is difficult, but when you know you need it, you just have to. I've always been the one to give to others, so it feels strange being on the other side. I feel guilty that people are working to help me, but I'm incredibly grateful.'
Her close friend Maria has launched a fundraiser, which has already raised more than £2,000 to support the family.
Maria described Debbie as 'one of the kindest people you'll meet' and said she had already been through a difficult year before the fire.
'Everyone has come together to support her during this devastating time,' Maria said.
'But there are only so many words of comfort you can offer to someone who's lost everything.'
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to the scene in the early hours of July 29.
Crews from Ferndown, Verwood, Ringwood and Westbourne's aerial ladder platform (ALP) responded to the incident.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the property well alight.
All occupants had safely evacuated, and crews worked quickly to extinguish the blaze.
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