A huge fundraising effort has been launched to help the owners of a beach shack destroyed in a devastating fire over the weekend. LJ’s Beach Shack in Teignmouth went up in flames on Sunday.
Smoke was seen rising over the shed as the flames took hold late in the morning. The owners watched in tears as their “pride and joy” was reduced to ashes.
It has triggered a massive outpouring of support, with people from Teignmouth community along with Dawlish, Starcross, Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot offering to help the business. The owners have responded saying they are “overwhelmed” by the response.
In a statement on Facebook on Monday morning Louis and Amy said: “We go again today, we haven’t had much sleep because the thoughts just haven’t stopped racing but we have hope. We are still so overwhelmed by everyone’s ongoing support.
“We NEVER expect handouts from anyone, ever. But we are so grateful to those of our community, family and friends who are donating to us so we are able to get back up and running as quickly as possible.
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“We are still in shock of the kindness and generosity from the community. Once we are able to get back on our feet, we will continue to repay back into the community.”
They have posted links to a GoFundMe page which can be found here. By 11am on Monday more than £4,000 has been promised by more than 200 people.
In an earlier post the owners described the “immense pain and upset from losing our pride and joy”, but also the gratitude and love for all the people that dropped everything to help.
Fire destroyed LJ’s Beach Shack in Teignmouth
(Image: DevonLive)
“This has turned our world upside down but the hope that everyone has given us means we can look to a brighter future and rebuild our little empire,” they said.
The fundraisers want to raise £5,000 to help rebuild the shack. “They’re going to need catering equipment, they’re going to need a skip to get rid of all the old stuff that’s there, they’re going to need and electrician and a decorator, a builder a few things,” says a video.
Fire destroyed LJ’s Beach Shack in Teignmouth
(Image: DevonLive)
“If you know anybody who’s willing to spare a bit of time and help someone in the community or do something to get these guys on their feet by the end of January beginning of February, please comment and get Amy and Louie the help they need.”
Fundraiser Michael Smith says: “It took three fire engines to put out the blaze and the shack was destroyed. After the fire we watched the family in tears and it was heart-breaking to see their income and livelihood go up in flames in such a short time. Let’s all raise as much money as possible to help LJ’s get back up and running.
“Together we can do anything.”
Two fundraisers have been started. They can be found here and here.