Woman thanks fundraisers after tragic house fire

Shelagh Williams (centre) has been supported by friends Tania Pitchford and Dawn Smith

A woman whose house was devastated by a fire in January has thanked people for donating money to help support her.

Shelagh Williams was left homeless after a blaze which destroyed her house in Coventry on 13 January and also killed her beloved dog Eddie.

Since then, people have been rallying round to try and help Shelagh, who friends say is one of the most community-minded people they know.

An online crowdfunding campaign has raised more than £4,000 towards its £10,000 target.

Shelagh Williams' house was devastated in the blaze earlier this month

Tania Pitchford, who set up the fundraiser, said: “A massive thanks to everyone who’s donated so far.”

She said Shelagh’s friends had organised a cake sale to help continue to raise more money to support Shelagh.

It takes place on Thursday morning at the Gilbert Richards centre in Earlsdon.

Ms Pitchford said Shelagh could not afford insurance, and so did not have any cover for the damage caused by the fire.

As a result of this “people have been rallying to help in any way that they can,” she said.