Warwickshire Firefighters Families Fund
A fund has been set up to support the families of the four firefighters who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty in Atherstone on Stour.
The fire happened on the evening of Friday, November 2, and 44-year-old Ian Reid; Darren Yates-Badley, aged 24; John Averis, aged 27; and Ashley Stephens, aged 20, all lost their lives while tackling the fire.
For several days the Warwickshire Firefighters Family Fund has been available online, but from today the people of Warwickshire will see posters appearing around the county.
Posters have gone to libraries, doctors’ surgeries, one stop shops, council offices and many other locations such as shops and leisure centres, detailing how to make contributions to the fund.
People can continue to contribute to the fund via the website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue, and the details on the posters also detail how they can make payments via their bank and by cheque.
If people are interested in publicising the fund themselves, the poster is available on the website above for downloading and printing.
The fund, created by Warwickshire County Council, has this morning topped £11,000 in donations from more than 450 people, including donations from as far afield as Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: " We are delighted with the response so far from the public, not just in Warwickshire, but across the world have been touched by this tragedy.
“The fund has been established for those who wish to make a contribution to go directly to the families of the firefighters involved. The fund will also help to provide a fitting memorial at a later date.
“Warwickshire County Council will also be paying any credit card payment fees for making the donation to ensure that all of the donated funds go to the families and towards the memorial.”
To find out more about the fund visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue