A woman facing a terminal illness has lost everything in a devastating fire that engulfed her home after a mini fridge caught fire, prompting her to escape with her granddaughter.
The blaze originated in Jeanette Charlton’s residence late on Tuesday, September 9, when the fridge in a bedroom suddenly ignited. Despite battling advanced breast cancer that has spread to her spine, Jeanette managed to rescue the family’s two dogs before evacuating the property with her 12-year-old granddaughter, Taylor. Startling images from the aftermath reveal a completely ruined home, with all belongings destroyed and rooms charred by smoke.
Taylor, who was asleep at the time, discovered the fire when she woke up to use the bathroom and saw the flames.
Sophie Charlton, Jeanette’s daughter and Taylor’s mother, expressed her anguish stating, “Upon entering the home post-incident, I had to leave immediately; it was heart-wrenching. Taylor now has nothing left, not even her phone. The upper floor sustained extensive damage, with her bedroom entirely burnt. The bathroom ceiling collapsed due to the intense heat.”
Jeanette, who had previously overcome breast cancer and a stroke before the return of her terminal cancer, now finds herself with nothing. Having lived in the home for several years, she lacked home insurance as she rented the property. Currently residing at her mother’s house, Jeanette and Taylor are searching for a new home, a challenging task due to their two dogs.
Sophie remarked, “Taylor is trying to make light of the situation, but I believe it’s because she doesn’t know how to cope. She has been left with nothing, and for a vulnerable child at her age, it’s incredibly unfair.” The fire also destroyed Taylor’s school uniform, but Polam Hall School has stepped in to provide a new uniform and support her transition back to school.
Acknowledging the support received, Sophie said, “Polam Hall School has been amazing, offering a full new uniform at no cost and allowing Taylor to ease back into school without pressure. It’s so shocking; you never expect something like this to happen.”
The family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help replace Taylor’s belongings and assist Jeanette in rebuilding her life. The Mirror has reached out to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for a statement.