Community unites to help Halifax family struck by 'devastating' explosion

Andrew Sykes from community centre Noah’s Ark has set up a designated fund to help the victims of the explosion, which happened in Green Lane, amid the approaching festive season.

Also helping with the recovery bid is Halifax resident and family friend Mel Adams, who has set up an emergency fund page as three people involved in the blast were hospitalised.

Mr Sykes said: “A friend of mine, who knows the family involved, asked me to help create a designated fund to place donations into, which we’ll hold until the family are ready to accept it.

“The Noah’s Ark Centre has been helping people within the community for over 20 years - this is what we do.”

On Monday evening, Mr Sykes said within two days a total of just over £3,000 was in the designated fund.

Mr Ogden, who lives in Ogden, said he heard the blast on his morning run from half a mile away.

He said: “Even I heard the bang, which happened around 7.30am.”

The centre, in Ovenden Road, have been supporting low-income families over the November and December period.

Family friend Ms Adams said she will be helping the family out with a raffle as well as the fundraiser.

She said: “I’m also doing a big raffle with lots of prizes, donated from various businesses.

“All the money from the tickets will go directly into the funding page.

“If any other business’s could add to this, that would be absolutely amazing.

“We want to get it as big as we possibly can to encourage more sales of tickets.”

All I can say is I’m absolutely heartbroken for my friend and her family at this horrific time.

“I pray that everyone involved make a full recovery as soon as possible.

“Anytime for something like this to happen is awful and so tragic, but so close to Christmas makes it even more devastating.

“I would also like to thank all who have donated so far and helped out. I just ask people to keep sharing this far and wide. The community has really pulled together at this sad time.”

To donate to the Noah’s Ark fund, contact: [email protected].

To donate to Ms Adams’ page, visit: gofundme.com, House explosion (Green lane)