Appeal to raise £20k after fire destroys grandad’s bungalow

Appeal to raise £20k after fire destroys grandad’s bungalow

11 December 2024

AN appeal has been issued to help a Downpatrick pensioner rebuild his home after it was destroyed by fire.

Terry Roberts, who lives at Knocknashinna, is well known in the area and every Christmas would dress as Santa and place festive lights at his home to bring joy to children.

Mr Roberts, who is very much a family man, has been left devastated after an electrical fault resulted in a fire ripping through his home.

His granddaughter, Ciara, has launched a GoFundMe appeal which to date has raised £5,650.

Ciara hopes to raise £20,000 to finance the repairs to her grandfather’s bungalow and is grateful to many people who have already donated.

She is hoping that in the season of giving, more people will support the appeal so the repairs can be carried out as soon as possible.

Mr Roberts has been living in the house for 50 years and relatives are shocked by the scale of the damage.

Ciara described what happened as “absolutely devastating”.

She said in addition to the damage, priceless sentimental photographs have been ruined “which no amount of money can replace.”

Ciara said the only silver lining was that her grandfather, whose home insurance had unfortunately lapsed due to an oversight, escaped the blaze with his life.

She said the home is largely “uninhabitable” and that a new roof is required throughout the bungalow and a new kitchen.

“The entire house will need to be rewired and new furniture needed throughout,” she explained.

“It’s a shell of a home which my granda worked so hard for,” Ciara continued, thanking relatives and local people who joined forces to try and cover the damaged roof to protect it from the elements.

“Given it’s winter we need to get the work done as soon as possible and are so grateful to granda’s neighbours and volunteers that have helped look after him and salvage what remains could be gathered from the dust.

“There was a real sense of community shown and we are eternally grateful,” she said.

Ciara said she has so many so many fond memories of her granda dressed as Santa and brightening up the whole street every year with Christmas lights.

“Sadly this year he cannot even put up a tree,” she said.

“My granda was in the house when the fire started and he raised the alarm but could only watch as the fire took hold and firefighters arrived. His main concern was the items of sentimental value in his home, only some of which were saved.

“We are very thankful granda escaped unharmed but the fire has taken its toll. We are also grateful to everyone who has supported the GoFundMe appeal and hope that in the season of giving, more people will support us to help repair granda’s home.”

News of the fire was circulated on social media with many people aware it was the home of Mr Roberts, with a number of people making comment about his annual festive decorations.

“Granda always put the decorations out for children and he just loved Christmas. He has done this for many many years but many of the decorations were in his roofspace and have had to be thrown out as they were damaged in the fire, along with many treasured memories.”

Ciara said her grandfather was “putting on a brave face” and was being supported by his kind neighbours, who she thanked for their support.

“The roof has been covered which was important, but there is much repair work to be carried out. We cannot thank people enough for their support and generosity.”

To contribute to the appeal, visit GoFundMe any key in Terry Roberts.