Incredible outpouring of support in North Devon for Bideford fire evacuees

A week on from the terrible fire that gutted a three-storey Bideford terrace, people in the town and across North Devon have shown their true colours by pulling together for those still unable to return to their homes.

A GoFundMe page set up by local chimney sweep Tobias Kennedy-Matthews a couple of days after the fire to raise money for East-the-Water Community Food Pantry has already raised more than £4,000.

Around 45 people from the terrace property itself and the surrounding buildings were evacuated from their homes – many with just the clothes they were wearing – when the fire broke out on Tuesday, October 28 at around 8.15pm.

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Some are still unable to return and have left everything behind apart from what they could easily carry. It is still unclear when all the evacuees can go back home.

The fire left one man unaccounted for and a police investigation continues after four boys and one girl aged between 13 and 15-years-old were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They have been released on police bail, as has a Bideford man in his 30s, arrested for the same alleged offences.

Above: The aftermath of the fire. Credit: Graham Hobbs

While the investigation goes on and fire officers and Torridge District Council officers assess the damage, the blaze has left many in need.

Vanessa Sanderson at the food pantry said the appeal had been set up quickly to help affected families or individuals with their immediate emergency needs.

She added: “Anyone who knows us at East The Water Community Food Pantry knows that we are reactive and proactive, so it was only fair that on the Friday morning we opened the doors of our base at the Shamwickshire Rovers AFC building to provide a safe space, a warm drink and financial help and help with food, warm clothing, shoes, coats and other things that we had.

“At least 20 affected families and individuals benefitted from financial help in varying increments from £60 to £150 each depending on their circumstances, transferred directly into their bank or as a cash payment if they couldn't get their bank cards from their properties.”

Above: An East-the-Water Community Food Pantry volunteer with one of the residents displaced by the Honestone Street fire. Credit: ETW Community Food Pantry

Tobias, who has fundraised for local charities and to help local families for many years, has temporarily transferred £2,000 from his fundraiser to complete four triathlons directly to the food pantry, as the crowdfunder money takes a little while to come through, with more to follow.

He said: “I just wanted to help with what I could. Community has always been important to me and I’m quite vocal with my world views of kindness and acceptance and it’s important to me to practice what I preach. The more kindness there is in the world the better.

“Considering with my other fundraiser this year it’s taken me nine months, learning how to swim and starting to run in order to compete in four triathlons to raise £4,000 for four local charities, the fact this particular fundraiser pulled £4,000 in three days is incredible.

“Vanessa and I have had a great relationship since the pantry’s inception years ago and both myself and Vanessa’s wonderful family have worked hard to get help directly to local people for many years now.”

Vanessa added: “We have worked tirelessly since Friday, arranging counselling and food drop offs. I know Tobias has been allocating more finances to pay for catteries and so on.

“The community have been really helpful with food donations, Arnold’s Pharmacy in Westward Ho! has supplied hygiene supplies and shower gel.

“One of the displaced residents, Daniel Lee, has even donated food and supplies for his neighbours as he is in a better position than most to help.”

Above: Resident Daniel Lee, who was also displaced by the fire, unloading supplies he purchased for fellow evacuees. Credit: ETW Community Food Pantry

While the fire raged overnight, around 30 residents had nowhere else to go and The Royal Hotel at East-the-Water offered up 11 rooms for the night, while Torridge District Council officers worked with other local hotels to arrange temporary accommodation.

The food pantry is entirely run by volunteers and relies solely on donations, after being set up by Vanessa’s son Jack Taylor in 2021. Jack lives with disability and Vanessa said he is passionate about respect, empathy and providing support without judgement.

Above: The ETW Community Food Pantry was set up in 2021 by Jack Taylor, Vanessa’s son. Credit: ETW Community Food Pantry

If you would like to donate to the appeal and support the Food Pantry, please go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/honestonefire