An Orpington primary school has raised money to help a young family who lost their home after an early morning fire.
Hayley Douglas, and her children, aged eight and four, were forced into a Premier Inn hotel after a fire ripped through their roof on Quilter Road on July 1.
The 32-year-old single mum told News Shopper her children were too traumatised to ever return to the house.
She added: “If this was three in the morning my children would be dead. I was lucky my child got up when she did.”
The fire was above her daughter's bedroom and it has been suggested the solar panels above the home may have been responsible.
READ MORE - Fundraiser for family forced to live in hotel after Orpington fire
Hayley’s daughter, who is passionate about dancing, attends Harris Primary Academy Orpington.
After reading about the fire, the school organised a dance production to raise money and to “alleviate some of the issues the family are experiencing”.
On Wednesday (July 11) the school raised £400 for Hayley and her children.
Executive Principal, Lynne Dando, said: “It was a wonderful event and really brought the school community together. Everyone took part in the dance-a-thon and had great fun whilst raising money for a great cause.
“I was so pleased to receive a letter from the family saying how grateful they are for the support that they had received from Harris Primary Orpington. Altogether we have raised nearly £400 and parents are still bringing money in.”
A family friend has also set up a JustGiving page in the hopes of raising £1,000.
JustGiving link - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/aimee-casserley
Aimee Casserley, who set up the fundraiser, said: “Sadly my friend's neighbour has lost her home this morning to a fire. The solar panels on the roof caught fire and quickly swept over the roof and into the loft.
“Luckily her and her children escaped from the house but they have lost all of their personal belongings. As you can see from these pictures the house has been devastated and they have been left without things as basic as clothes and toiletries.
"Can I please ask you to donate whatever you can to help them in this difficult time. Any donation will be hugely helpful and very much appreciated.”
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