An appeal for help has been launched for a family whose house was devastated by fire in Helston yesterday lunchtime.

Suzy Thalha and her two children, eight-year-old Ellie-Mai and 14-year-old Jessica, have been made temporarily homeless by the blaze, which gutted the ground floor of her Hellis Wartha home.

The fire originated in the tumble drier, in the garage, when towels set alight.

It quickly spread to the kitchen and living room, where everything has been destroyed.

Falmouth Packet:

The tumble drier where the fire started 

Suzy, who works for Sainsbury’s in Helston, had no house insurance and the council was just weeks away from buying her house from her. It is not known what will happen now.

Friends and neighbours are rallying around the family and are appealing for local tradesmen and companies to offer their support and donate items and services needed.

In particular, initially, skips are needed so that the whole of the ground floor can be cleared.

External wood is needed for boarding up blown out windows, or the windows need replacing.

Manpower would also be welcomed, by anyone willing to help clear the charred items and start cleaning.

Ideally the family also needs somewhere to stay, as currently they are moving around friends’ homes, although Ellie-Mai has been able to stay at her dad’s house.

Anyone who can offer help can call Suzy on 07776 092803.

Suzy said of her neighbours and friends: “They’ve been great. Neighbours I don’t even know have been knocking on the door offering help.”

Her friend Felicity Woodman, who lives around the corner, said: “She’s just a hardworking mum and she doesn’t deserve any more problems in her life.”

  • A report on the house fire can be found here