7:30am Friday 30th July 2010
By Julia Kennard
Families were forced to evacuate their homes as a fire ripped through a row of terraced houses.
The fire broke out in homes in Amy Close, Wallington, at about 10.55am on Friday.
A family of eight who almost lost everything in the fire were supported by the close-knit Roundshaw community.
Friends and neighbours have rallied around Jeff and Tina Pryor and their six children since the fire devasted their home.
In the hours after the blaze, which tore through their home and spread to adjoining houses, the family took refuge with about 12 others in nearby Amy Johnson Primary School.
People could be seen delivering suitcases and bags of clothes and toys to the school as teachers, who were on a training day, helped the shocked families in the hall.
Days later generous residents were still donating gifts as a note from the Pryors appeared next to the ruined homes.
It read: “Tina and Jeff would like to say a big thank you to the Roundshaw community for their kindness and support. Thank you.”
Neighbour Ann Lloyd, 52, a supermarket cashier, said: “I saw Tina earlier in the week and she just said to me ‘It’s a dream. I’ll wake up in a minute’.
“It’s horrific what has happened. All their family memories and photos gone and lost forever. Everyone is shocked.
“But the community’s response has been heartwarming. That’s what people are like round here, we all look out for one another. I’m going to take over some games for them to all play.”
Mother-of-three Alison Poker, 37, who lives nearby, said: “This is an eye-opener for the rest of us. It’s put things into perspective. People just want to help.”
Mrs Pryor was believed to have been walking her dog when the fire started.
Her family were already outside the house as the fire started and then spread. No one was injured.
Sergeant John Withersby, of Beddington safer neighbourhood team, said the kind-hearted community response was “typical” of those living in the area.
He said: “People are shocked, but they are all rallying round.”
Amy Johnson headteacher Melanie Elsey said: “We’re here to support the community.”
Are you one of the affected families? Would you like to say a personal thanks to the community for helping? Call Julia Kennard on 0208 330 9541 or email jkennard@london.newsquest.co.uk
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