Fundraising appeal set up for Carrick-on-Suir man whose home was damaged by fire

The family of a 67-year-old Carrick-on-Suir man whose home was badly damaged in a fire earlier this week,have set up a fundraising campaign to assist with the financial costs of repairing and renovating his house.

The Help Fix Patrick's House GoFundMe appeal is raising funds for Patrick (Pa) Tobin whose Mill Street home suffered extensive damage in a fire on Monday night just two weeks after his discharge from hospital after heart surgery.

The appeal has been set up by Patrick's daughters Samantha, Louise and Grace.

Samantha Stuart said her father spent 12 weeks in hospital and unfortunately forgot about renewing his fire insurance policy when he was ill and it lapsed.

She said it hadn't been an easy decision for his family to set up the fundraising campaign.

In a message published on the GoFundMe page, Samantha, on behalf of her family wrote: “Thankfully, Dad got out safely. A passing Garda patrol spotted the smoke and helped him out before the fire brigade arrived. We will always be grateful to everyone who helped that night.

“The fire and water caused extensive damage to his home. Almost everything has to go, including flooring, carpets, furniture and bedding. So much of what made his house a home has been damaged or lost.

“Dad has no insurance cover, and the cost of repairing the damage and replacing these essentials is beyond what he can afford.

“He is still recovering, and his health means he cannot take on the work himself, although he would be the first to roll up his sleeves if he could.

“As his family, we are doing everything we can to help, but we need support to get his home safe and comfortable again.

“Any money raised will go towards repairs, flooring, furniture, bedding and the essentials he needs to return home.

“It is difficult to ask for help, but we want Dad to be able to focus on his recovery without the worry of how he will put his home back together.

“If you can donate any amount, or your time if you have a trade, we would be so grateful.”

To donate to the cause click on this link: Help Fix Patrick’s House GoFundMe Page.