UNITED FOR FAMILY AFTER GRAN DIES IN ‘HORRENDOUS’ HOUSE BLAZE
R
ESIDENTS of the village where a “loving grandmother” who died in a house fire lived have raised thousands of pounds for her family.
Charmaine Slater, 56, died in the fire at a house in Caldicot last month. Emergency services were called to the detached house at Deepweir at 12.35pm on Thursday, May 28, where they were faced with a “well-developed” fire.
Ms Slater’s body was found after rescue teams entered the house which had already partially collapsed after being damaged in the fire.
Since the fire hundreds of residents have helped raise more than £4,000.
One of the organisers, Chloe Collier, lives in the same cul-de-sac where the fire happened and witnessed the blaze.
She said: “It was horrendous, absolutely horrendous, as you can imagine. But everyone wanted to do something, everyone in the street. You just want to help and do something.
“The day after we collected some food and some clothes from the neighbourhood and we collected money for them for that weekend, because obviously everything had gone.”
After the initial target of £2,000 was met within hours – the group are now aiming to raise £5,000 for the family.
Chloe said: “The community has been absolutely phenomenal. It’s a tough time now anyway as it is with everything going on. “
In a statement released through Gwent Police her family said: “There are no words to describe how we as a family are feeling.
“For those who knew Charmaine knew she was a loving mother, grandmother, and wife.
“She absolutely loved her music and would often ride her mobility scooter to the shops, blasting her favourite reggae tunes.
“She was well known around the castle grounds where she liked to go to feed the ducks and other wildlife, often stopping off at the local pub for a nice cold drink.
“Charmaine thrived off having a simple life, spending time with her beloved dogs and enjoying her favourite soaps.”
They added: “We cannot thank the community enough for all their kind words and gestures but ask for privacy during this time so we can begin to process our shock and grief.”
Donations to the fundraiser can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/ deepweir-house-fire-fundraiser