A mum-of-four whose Middlesbrough home was devastated in a fire has thanked the community who are helping to rebuild her life.
Hayliegh Venis and her children were left with only the clothes on their backs after the mystery blaze last week.
Smoke from the fire in a outhouse had quickly swept through her house in Deal Court, wrecking furniture, carpets, curtains and her children’s clothes and toys.
The 25-year-old had only recently decorated and was left in tears by the damage caused to her home.
Hayliegh, who is currently living in temporary accommodation on Eden Road, said: “I went back in on Friday night and I took everything I could.
“I sat and went through it all for two days but everything was covered and I can’t get rid of the smell.”
News of the fire quickly spread and people came forward to help Hayliegh and her little ones.
Offers of help with washing and redecorating were made and piles of clothes, toys and furniture were taken to the Grove Hill Community Hub on Bishopton Road.
Scene of a fire at Deal Court, Grove Hill where a fire started in an outhouse before spreading to the house causing smoke damage to all mum, Hayliegh Venis (pictured) and her children's belongings.
“I went in on Monday - people have brought all sorts in for us. Clothes, lots of toys and shoes for the kids,” said Hayliegh.
“Anything that we don’t need or doesn’t fit is going to charity - it won’t go to waste.
“We’ve also got a three-seater sofa and a chair, cabinets and an oven.
“People have even brought Easter eggs for us.”
Hayliegh said she wished she could thank each and every person who had donated.
“They have been really lovely. It’s picked me up so much,” she said.
“There are so many people I want to say thankyou to - people who helped looked after the kids and took me in.
“I didn’t realise how many friends I had - people I didn’t even realise were friends.
“I am just so grateful and thankful.”
Hayliegh Venis
Hayliegh was at home with her three eldest children, Harvey, eight, and his friend Bailey, five-year-old Marshall and three-year-old Dawson when the fire started. Her one-year-old daughter Bella was not there at the time.
After noticing a smell of smoke, Hayliegh and the children had fled to the safety of the street.
No-one was injured but the outhouse was destroyed by the fire and the flames also damaged the kitchen and hallway. The rest of the house was left severely smoke-logged.
Investigations are continuing into the cause.
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