Kentish Express Ashford & District
Student homeless after fridge fire destroys flat
A student has been left homeless after a fire destroyed her lodgings.
Kerry Hayward, 21, is in her final year studying maths at Brunel University and shared a flat with her friends, Ryan and Amanda.
A fire broke out on Monday at their home in Uxbridge, west London.
Kerry, from Ashford, said: “I was getting ready for the gym when the fire alarm started going off. I didn’t really think anything serious until Amanda screamed.
“Me and Ryan ran to her room and saw her mini fridge, which she’s had for three years, was on fire under her desk.
“It was mad panic. We ran to grab wet towels or a fire blanket or extinguisher, but when we got back the desk was on fire and there was thick smoke so we had to leave.
“We shut all the doors and ran to every apartment to get everyone out. When we got outside, we could see the guttering melting, the windows had exploded.
“Amanda was hysterical. Everything she owned was in that room.
“We went to the emergency accommodation but they didn’t have anywhere so we’re living in our friend’s lounge.
“Hopefully we will have somewhere to live soon.
“It’s hard because I’m in my final year so it is pretty stressful but my department have been so nice and supportive.”
Meanwhile, in Kingsnorth Road, Ashford, Kerry’s mum, Heather Hayward, has been busy gathering replacements for their lost items.
So far there have been many generous donations including
A Just Giving page has been started at www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ amandakerryandryan to help raise money towards a deposit clothes, items of furniture, bedding, gift cards, money and even help with laundry.
Heather said: “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare but the community have been amazing.
“We are immensely grateful for all the support.
“The smoke alarm saved their lives. Material possessions can be replaced – people can’t.
Kerry added: “I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has helped us.
“I urge people to check their fire alarms and, especially for students, to check they have contents insurance.”