Dryer fire guts mum’s home days after tumour diagnosis
A BELFAST family was left “sickened” after a tumble dryer fire destroyed their mother’s house just days after she was diagnosed with a tumour.
Sharon Brown (51) and her son Ryan (25) are now homeless after the blaze on Sunwich Street in south Belfast on Saturday morning.
Daughter-in-law Andrea (26), who lives in Holywood, explained that Sharon was sitting at home when she saw smoke coming from the four-year-old Beko tumble dryer in her kitchen.
“She shouted to Ryan and when he came down he opened the tumble dryer and the flames came out,” she said.
“They grabbed the dogs and got out of the house and rang the fire brigade. They had to stand there and watch the flames.”
The fire caused extensive damage inside the house and the family was unable to salvage any possessions.
“It was a second blow to the family just two days after Sharon was told she has a tumour which is causing the loss of the sight in her right eye,” Andrea said.
Sharon was advised to visit Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital as soon as possible but, because of coronavirus restrictions, it is not possible to operate at the moment.
The experiences have left her “drained and devastated”, Andrea said.
“There’s no perfect time for this to happen, but with everything that’s going on it affects everyone that little bit more,” she added.
Andrea said her family had been amazed by the generosity of members of the public, who have bought items for them and donated to a Gofundme appeal.
“The support and generosity of people has been insane and we really appreciate it,” she explained.
A spokesperson for Beko said: “This is a difficult time for the Brown family and we’re working as quickly as we can to investigate the situation.”