Leeds family lost everything in house fire: Community rallies to help

Edyta Wlodek and partner Llowell Williams escaped with their five year old daughter Cassitta when fire ripped through their semi detached home in Blake Grove, Chapel Allerton, in the early hours of January 5.

Lowell was awake in the upstairs study room when the fire started and Cassitta was with Edyta in an upstairs bedroom.

Lowell carried Cassitta downstairs and the family escaped unharmed.

Edyta said: "It was so close that one more breath on the stairs and we would not have made it.

"It was the thickest, blackest smoke you can imagine."

The fire destroyed everything in the house - except a few baby scan images of Cassitta and some of the couple's personal documents.

Two fire crews from Leeds Fire Station along with crews from from Moortown and Killingbeck stations and an aerial unit dealt with the blaze.

Edyta - who said the couple did not have house insurance - is grateful for the help of community spirited neighbours who launched a crowdfunding appeal.

The GoFundMe appeal has so far raised almost £7,000 towards a £50,000 target.

Family, friends and neighbours are helping the couple work on the house, which Edyta said needs to be stripped back to bare brick before a rebuilding project can start.

The couple and their daughter, who are now living with relatives, said they only have the clothes they left the house in that night.

Edyta said: "The support we have had is amazing. It is unbelievable to know that there are so many good-hearted people, despite what everyone is going through.

"We really appreciate all the support we are getting."

Edyta said the fire was caused by a faulty electric heater, which was in a gazebo in the back garden.

She said: "The fire started in there, burned down the back garden with all possessions and then our house and a lot of damage to the neighbour's house."

She added: "I was working from home as a self employed trader, buying, restoring and selling used items. So in the process of the fire I have also lost my stock and income."

Edyta said: "We don't have time to get upset and cry about it, It is not going to help us.

"We are positive and the amazing support from neighbours, family, friends and strangers keeps us smiling and keeps us going.

"Most importantly, we are here to tell the story and the donations are not for our funerals."

Click here to go to the GoFundMe Appeal