A COUNCILLOR and a shop owner have joined forces to help raise money for a popular businessman whose family lost their home in a devastating fire.
Several crews were deployed to tackle the fire at two connecting homes in Harrow Farm Cottages, Ragged Appleshaw, on Saturday, December 2.
The fire started at around 3.30am and resulted in the roof of the cottages and first floor being destroyed.
One of the cottages was occupied by members of the Burgess family including husband and wife Rich and Katie, both 31, and their three children 12-year-old Jake, Riley, 14, and Harper, aged five.
The family said the blaze started in one of the bedrooms when a phone charger caught fire, which ripped through both homes within minutes.
The homes have been owned by the family for at least 80 years.
READ MORE: Thousands raised to help Appleshaw family after fire
The family-run Burgos Pet World, in George Yard, is popular with not only Andover’s business community but also shoppers in the town.
Following the fire, which not only destroyed their home, but the neighbouring home of Rich’s parents, Debbie, 56 and Danny, 57, The Record Box owner Phil Nightingale and borough councillor Iris Andersen have come together to help raise money for the family.
Phil said: “I am really close friends with the family and their business is opposite mine, I’ve known them since I’ve been here. They are just a lovely family and they deserve something back.”
Last week Phil and Cllr Andersen visited businesses in the town to see if they would be able to donate and help the family.
Phil has also set up a collection in his shop in George Yard to allow people to donate.
“It just goes to show that there is community life left in certain towns, people still want to stick together,” Phil said.
SEE ALSO: Market traders and food business making a difference to Andover Foodbank
Cllr Andersen said: “Rich has been a tremendous help in any fundraising that I have done, I feel it is time now for everybody to give back. Whatever little you can give it helps.”
She added: "This isn't about the business it's about the family and all just before Christmas to lose everything devastation this must cause."
The money raised will be given to the family on Saturday, with Cllr Andersen and Phil hoping that a huge amount can be donated.
Another fundraiser set up by Rich’s sister Laura has so far raised more than £3,600. To donate, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-burgess.
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