Island Community Rallies To Support Family After Devastating Sandown House Fire

People on the Isle of Wight are coming together to support a family who lost everything in a kitchen fire at their home in Sandown.

Jane Barrett, 57, was asleep at her property in Fort Mews when smoke alarms sounded in the early hours of Friday 17 April.

After being alerted by her daughter, the family rushed downstairs with their dogs to find the kitchen engulfed in flames.

Jane, who lives with her two children and her daughter’s fiancé, says the fire — believed to have been caused by an electrical fault — quickly spread smoke throughout the home, destroying their belongings.

The family has been displaced and is currently staying in temporary accommodation while they search for somewhere more permanent.

Jane, who has already been signed off work due to mental health difficulties, is now facing the challenge of rebuilding her life from scratch.

A fundraiser has been set up by a friend to help the family get back on their feet, with £680 raised so far towards an £800 target.

In a message on the fundraising page, organiser Jo said:

“I am absolutely devastated for her and her family.

"I am hoping to help them start again from scratch. Any contributions will be very gratefully appreciated.”

Anyone wishing to support the appeal can find more information via the GoFundMe page.