Neighbours help repair house struck by lightning

Local tradespeople have been helping repair the damage

A community has rallied round to help a 79-year-old woman whose house in Stoke-on-Trent was struck by lightning.

The property on Bambury Street, Longton, was badly damaged on 21 September, but now a neighbour has set up a fundraiser to help with repairs.

More than £5,000 has been raised and people have also offered time and materials to help get the house sorted out.

“There’s been so many people that have been involved, I still can’t believe it,” said local resident Hayley Johnsons, who started the fundraiser.

“It feels a little bit surreal with how many people are involved. I did not expect to get everything moving as fast as it has.”

Roof tiles were strewn "everywhere" after the strike, she said, with people coming out out into the street to investigate, with a man leading the woman to safety.

A small fire as a result of the strike had caused an external gas pipe to rupture, said Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, but no-one was injured.

The upstairs ceilings in the house had also partially collapsed, with the electrical supply blown, leaving it unsafe, said Ms Johnson.

The victim did not have house insurance and initially stayed with a neighbour, but she confirmed the house now had a new roof and was watertight again.

Exterior work is still needed due to the extent of the damage caused by the lightning strike.

But, the interior was now ready for plastering and decorating, Ms Johnson added.

Brickwork on the house was damaged during the lightning strike

“It is in a bit of an organised mess, waiting to be put back together now,” Ms Johnson said.

The lady’s son, Darren Hobson, said the family was appreciative about all the help.

“She’s got a lot of memories of my father and the years they spent building the house up,” he said.

Ms Johnson added the woman was now in high spirits, after being devastated to see ruined household items dumped in a skip.

“It just makes you realise that there are good people left,” she said.

“You go through bad times and you do wonder would these people be here for me, and it’s just so nice to see that there are so many good people about.”