Harwich community helps raise thousands for pub fire victims

Last month 19-year-old Jay Thomas, who has lived in Harwich for the majority of his life, set about gathering £2,000 in donations after the Hanover Inn went up in flames.

As a result of the blaze, 177 properties were left without power for hours on end due to safety concerns.

The Church Street inferno, which also destroyed neighbouring cottages, has since left workers potentially without jobs and homeowners with nowhere to stay.

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Jay, therefore, decided to launch his fundraiser so any money contributed could be put towards helping anyone affected by the fire get back on their feet.

In the space of just a couple of weeks, the campaign has already smashed its target, thanks to the generosity of the Harwich community.

“Words cannot describe it and I was shocked and emotional when we hit £2,000,” said Jay, who is delighted to be making a difference.

“It was a goal that seemed so far away in my eyes and it seemed impossible but our community is beautiful, so thank you.

“I have been in touch with almost everyone affected now and everyone is thankful.”

After the horrifying fire, which was fought by multiple crews from across Essex for roughly six hours, an investigation was launched to determine the cause.

The severity of the damage inflicted on the buildings, however, meant it was virtually impossible for inspectors to conclusively say how it started.

Conscious of the long-term impact of the fire, Jay has now set a new goal of £3,000 so some solace may at least be found in the support of the community.

He added: “There are six people potentially without a wage and three families who have been affected and since had their houses broken into.

“So, the more we raise the more people we can help. I have raised the goal to £3,000 in the hope we continue supporting those affected.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thehanoverinn.