Exclusive:Devastating house fire destroys home of beloved South Yorkshire charity fundraiser
Shocked community rallies to help well known supporter of cancer charities
A well known woman who has raised £1 million for charity has been left devastated after a fire destroyed her home.
Pictures released by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service show the scale of the damage, after the blaze broke out on Tuesday afternoon.
The fire which hit the home of 82-year-old Sandra Blockley happened on Church Street, in Thurcroft, Rotherham.
The fire service said crews were called at 2.57pm on Tuesday (April 21) to reports of a shed fire that quickly spread to a nearby property.
They added: “Firefighters worked hard to contain the incident and remained on scene until 10.13pm. The fire is believed to have started accidentally. “
It has emerged that the blaze was at the home of Mrs Blockley, who is well known across South Yorkshire for her work raising money for cancer and dementia charities.
She won a Pride of Britain award in 2022 for her work, and has also been awared the MBE.
Mrs Blockley started fundraising following the death of her daughter, Lorraine, who had cervical cancer, and nursing husband Charlie through dementia.
She set up a charity shop named after her daughter on Green Arbour Road in her home village.
Now, people in her village have launched a fundraiser to support her during her own time of need.
Thurcroft Welfare Community Hall announced on its Facebook page: “Our community is coming together to support Sandra Blockley, who has sadly lost her home in a recent house fire.
“A fundraiser will be held on May 9, with all proceeds going directly to Sandra to help her rebuild and get back on her feet during this incredibly difficult time.
“Please save the date and keep an eye out — more details will be shared very soon.
“Let’s rally together and show Sandra the strength and kindness of our community.”
An online fundraising page has alaso been launched, which had raised almost £6,000 by 8am today.
Donate here to help Sandra.
The community hall has a plaque marking what Sandra has achieved.