Dad ‘overwhelmed’ as people rally

THE community has responded magnificently to ensure Tony Lowe and his family do not go without after a house fire.

Tony said the response has been “outstanding” with everything from clothes, toys, and cash being collected.

Donations have poured in from his children’s school and nursery, while Acre Mill Baptist Church donated presents.

Neighbours have put the family up while the house is being decorated and they have even had offers of Christmas dinners. Tony wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ to everybody. He said: “People have been so helpful and kind. I say it all the time but it’s been overwhelming. I’ve seen a lot of the comments and I was welling up reading them. I’m a bit proud, but any help I can get I’ll be very appreciative of.”

Hayley Cox, deputy manager of Maden Early Years and Child Care Centre, said: “The nursery wanted to help the family and then some of the parents found out about it and asked if they could contribute. We opened it up to the community and put it on our Facebook page. Some of the staff have donated toys and cash.”

Parents donated toys, clothes, bedding and coats, while Hayley’s partner, who owns a butchers shop, donated £50 worth of meat.

St Joseph’s RC Primary also held a collection.

Headteacher Lynn Elder said: “We would like to thank all the members of the school community and the wider community for their generosity in sending in money and other items to help this family in their time of need.”