Teenage boy saves mum and brother from house fire

A woman and two young boys huddle together and smile into the camera. The woman has dark hair pulled back from her face and dark framed glasses perched on her head. The two boys have brown hair.Family handout

Rhys, 14, managed to get mum Amy and younger brother Euan safely outside

Matthew Richards
BBC Wales

A teenager "took charge" and saved his family from a fire, which destroyed their rented property and left them homeless, said his mother.

Amy, 41, said the accidental blaze broke out at their home in Mold, Flintshire, on 9 November.

While she tried to fight the flames with water, she said 14-year-old Rhys "remembered fire safety tips and closed his bedroom door".

He then "dragged me out of the house" while on the phone to the emergency services, she told the BBC.

The inside of a burnt out room is shown, with debris across the floor and brickwork showing on the walls. A large window is missing the glass panes and a house can be seen in the background through the gap.Family handout

The house was destroyed by the fire

Amy said: "Rhys came out of his room and just completely took charge."

The teenager tried to get his 10-year-old brother Euan out "but he [Euan] wouldn't leave without me", she said.

"Rhys literally dragged me out of the house while he was on the phone to 999."

The hallway of the property with smoke blackened walls and debris on the floor. A ladder hangs halfway down from the entrance to the attic in the ceiling.Family handout

The family have been left homeless, says Amy

The mum-of-two said all of her children's photographs and memorabilia in the attic had been destroyed.

"The pictures of the children were on the floor, just destroyed, that was what broke me more than anything else," she said.

The family are now staying in a hotel until they can find new accommodation.

The bathroom with smoke and fire damage. The toilet is covered in soot as are the walls.Family handout

Amy said the fire spread quickly from the bedroom to the rest of the house

Amy's friend Jack Miller, with whom she runs a project supporting wellbeing through stand-up comedy called Well Funny, has set up a crowdfunding appeal to help the family get back on their feet.

Mr Miller wrote: "Amy and her two young sons have lost a lot of possessions, some of which can never be replaced.

"I understand it's a difficult time of the year but, if possible, could you help support Amy and her family at her difficult time, especially as we head towards Christmas?"

"I cried," said Amy, on hearing of the appeal. "The best thing about the comedy community is, if one of us is in need, everyone rallies together.

"The love and support from the community I gig with is really overwhelming.

"The weight is lifted from my shoulders knowing that's there."

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