Outpouring of support for Midlands great-grandmother who lost home in fire
Bishop visits Olive (88) in Tullamore hospital
THE Church of Ireland bishop of Meath and Kildare visited Annaharvey woman Olive Thompson in hospital on Monday as the great-grandmother recovers following a fire which devastated her home at the weekend.
“Bishop Pat Storey visited her in hospital which is a nice pastoral gesture on the part of the bishop,” said Rev Isaac Delamere, Tullamore parish.
Rev Delamere, who also visited the 88-year-old in Tullamore Hospital said: “It's amazing she got out alive really. And thankfully she hasn't sustained injuries and it is more the trauma of it all. She has lost everything.”
“The family have also launched a fundraising [idonate] page to rebuild her home. Home is where she wants to be and the kind and generous response so far has been fantastic.”
The idonate fundraiser has been set up by Olive's grandchildren Dwayne, Tara and Kaelyn Thompson.
Their post on the idonate page Help Olive to rebuild her home says: “In the early hours of Friday the 7th of February an unexpected fire broke out in [Olive's] beloved home in Annaharvey, Tullamore. Thankfully she made it out safely and is recovering well in Tullamore Hospital. Unfortunately there is absolutely nothing left within the house only four walls.
“We are asking kindly for any help or donation big or small to get our amazing Granny back into her home with her little dog Julia.”
By Wednesday afternoon, February 12 over €16,300 had been raised.
Rev Delamere, who is currently covering the parish of Geashill, thanked the public for their support and asked for it to continue.
“In Tullamore parish we are hoping to organise a fundraising event as well,” he said.