Milton Keynes community rallies to raise almost £15k for family left with 'nothing' after house fire

On the Bank Holiday Monday last week (May 3), a family of four were left devastated by a fire which started in their garage and spread to 'severely damage' their home.

Their house on Austen Avenue in Olney was no longer habitable and many of their belongings were destroyed.

Within 24 hours of the devastating fire, brother of the family father, Max Jeavons moved to set up a fundraiser.

Almost instantly, the original target of £5,000 was smashed, by May 4, the total money raised had already reached £8,700.

Now, a week on the overall money going to the family has reached £14,405 and looks set to triple that original £5,000 marker. Already, 472 different donors have offered their financial support to the family.

When setting up the page Max outlined the devastation the fire had caused to the family. He said in a statement: "My brother and his young family have just lost everything they own in a house fire. They’ve been left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing and Lilah, 8, and Jax, 2, lost all their toys and things.

"We’re raising money to help them rebuild their lives. They’ve been a huge part of the Olney community (Marlon’s a local mechanic and Holly’s a hairdresser) and are hard-working, lovely people who’ve had the worst luck. Thankfully everyone is safe but after what has already been a tough year due to the pandemic, this is a devastating blow.

"It would be amazing to see everyone come together to support them at this incredibly tough time. Anything you can spare would be hugely appreciated."

You can access the fundraising page here.