Firefighters touched by the death of Courtney Bristow are holding a car wash in aid of her family.

Shocked - station officer Graham Sellears, sub-officer Geoff Waller and firefighters John Moss, Simon Polley and Gene Evers, who plan a car wash to raise money for the family of blaze victim Courtney Bristow. (46471-2)

The five-year-old died following a blaze at the crisis housing Silverwoods chalet she was staying at in Thorrington.

Fire crews from Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe were left devastated by the death and at being powerless to stop it.

Wivenhoe sub-officer Geoff Waller said: "We were all shocked and more shocked that we couldn't really do anything. It wouldn't have mattered how quick we got there.

"It is very frustrating and upsetting, especially when children are involved. Some blokes have been more upset than others. Brightlingsea have quite a few young blokes."

The car wash will be held at Wivenhoe fire station on Saturday, December 10, in aid of the family and the firefighters' benevolent fund. The event will run from 10am to 4pm.

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Published Tuesday, November 29, 2005

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