A group of retired firefighters gave up their Bank Holiday to help a pensioner whose home was destroyed by a blaze.

Since the fire almost two weeks ago, Dennis Issory has been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers and neighbours who have come forward to help him.

The Wimbledon Guardian has been inundated with calls from members of the public eager to donate furniture, clothes, a skip and cash to help the 71 year-old re-build his life.

Neighbours including Naomi Hardman appealed for tradesmen to come forward, and since then, a number of tradesmen including plasterers, painters and decorators have been in touch.

Volunteers from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation formed in the wake of New York’s 9/11 were so moved by Mr Issory’s plight that they travelled from their homes in Kent, Surrey and Cambridge to spend the day in Mitcham.

The retired firefighters, who are usually deployed to disaster zones including Bosnia and Nepal, arrived in De’Arn Gardens yesterday after reading about the fire on the Wimbledon Guardian’s website.

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John Drudge, 67, who used to work at Wimbledon and New Malden stations, said: "Dennis is a lovely man who doesn’t deserve what’s happened.

"This was such a good cause that we decided to get a couple of the blokes down."

The four volunteers spent all day taking out burnt material and damaged insulation, clearing out the loft and removing a fire-damaged water tank.

They cleaned up and provided emotional support for a tearful Mr Issory as well.

"We are all ex-firemen so we know what to expect.

"They weren’t happy to go into the loft, we are trained to do things like that, even though we’re old and decrepit, we know the risks," Mr Drudge said.

He said: "When someone needs help, we’ll be there.

"We’re lucky, we’ve got homes and families, it’s people who have lost everything who need help."

He said they have promised to return in six months time for a house re-opening party.

Miss Hardman said today: "Dennis is relieved that the loft is done. It was really nice for them to come."

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