A FAMILY displaced following a fire at their thatched home have thanked the support of the fire service and the wider Wimborne community.

Extensive damage was caused to the National Trust owned cottage in Cowgrove Road, Pamphill, after a fire ripped through the building on Sunday, May 23.

The cause of the fire is believed to have been due to heat transfer from the building’s chimney.

Since the traumatic ordeal, the family have been inundated with offers of donations, gifts and assistance.

A statement from beneficiary Amy Chalk, the former occupant of the house, has been uploaded to one of the two crowdfunding pages set up to raise money for the family of four.

Bournemouth Echo:

She said: “There are no words that can ever express the gratitude we have to the whole of the Wimborne community, people from afar, friends and family, the Dorset fire brigade and Pamphill First School for the generosity and kindness we have received since the devastating fire on Sunday ripped our lives apart and took so much from us.

“The response has just been so overwhelming, we are all so grateful to every single person who has offered us their belongings, help, support and love - we whole heartedly cannot thank you all enough.

“We are just blown away by the response and no words can ever express the gratitude we have to every single one of you.”

Although Amy, her husband and two children managed to escape the burning house unscathed, they left behind some valuable possessions.

However, thanks to the fire crews on the scene, some of the firefighters managed to recover the family’s precious belongings.

Bournemouth Echo:

Amy added: “I would like to say a special thank you to the whole of the Dorset fire brigade for the rapid response and risking your lives to salvage our most treasured possessions that would have been irreplaceable.

“You are all just amazing people; no words can ever describe the appreciation we have for every single firefighter who attended, including Richard Paradise who was there on the day and has gone above and beyond to help us rebuild our lives. You are our heroes.

“We are still so overwhelmed at the moment and trying to come to terms with the situation. We are settling into the home the National Trust have provided us but know we are all safe and being very well cared for by family, friends and many, many members of the community.”

Over £3,500 has been raised across the two fundraising pages set up in their name.

Among those offering their support for the family is Cllr Kelly Webb, Town Mayor and Chairman of Wimborne Town Council.

Bournemouth Echo:

She said: “The community have really come together to support the family affected by the fire on Sunday May 23. There have been offers of help and donations which have been great to see.

“Personally, I want to reach out to the family and offer any support which we are able to provide, whether that is emotional support or just chocolates for the family and children.

“The family are actually located slightly outside of our ward but that is of no importance when something this severe happens. I just want to reach out to them and ask if there is anything can do to help.

“If they need the help of the council, then we will definitely be there for them. However, from our point of view, we do not want to intrude so we will take a step back and wait for their approach.”

To donate to the crowdfunding page, click here.