A HEARTBROKEN community has pulled together to support families whose homes have been destroyed in a fire as fifty firefighters were pulled in to tackle the blaze.

On Wednesday, December 15, a fire ripped through the homes of Rowe Court, Grovelands Road.

A major search and rescue operation is underway as two people are missing and feared dead after a suspected arson attack.

One person has died from the fire and four people were rushed to hospital.

Locals from Reading have come together donating much-needed clothes, toiletries, and funds to those affected by the fire.

Reading Chronicle:

READ MORE: Live updates as search for two missing people continues after fire

Including Sarah Murphy, a devastated mum who is putting her food parcel group Free Meals, Full Hearts, to good use after setting it up during the pandemic. In lockdown, the group managed to help feed more than 2,500 families across Reading.

The Reading mum said: "You can’t begin to imagine what those affected are going through, when I heard I set to work with my supporters at Free Meals, Full Hearts to ensure we can help as quickly as possible and as Reading has shown time and time again, we come together as a community in times of crisis and this will be no exception.

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"There couldn’t be a worse time for a devastation like this to happen with it being so close to Christmas and my initial thoughts as a mum was how I could help the families affected create something that vaguely resembles some normality this Christmas.

"Whether that be buying new presents, decorations or food or even making their lives in emergency accommodation more comfortable with clothing, toys and other home essentials."

So far, Sarah's fundraising page has collected more than £600 and counting.

They hope to reach a target of £1,000 which Sarah "expects to increase dramatically."

Pangbourne Rotary Club has also set up a donation point for people to help raise money for the families affected.

Adam Carlill said: "Deeply shocked by the tragic fire at Rowe Court yesterday. The need now is for financial donations. Pangbourne Rotary Club have set up this Paypal link."

Likewise, one school has decided to open up as a donation centre for people to bring unwanted books, clothes and toys for the children this Christmas.

Ranikhet Academy said:" As you may be aware, there was a fire in the Grovelands Road area of Tilehurst yesterday. Our school will act as a donation centre for anyone who wishes to drop off any items to help those affected by the fire. We would welcome any donations, of any size, to help our community. Our school will be open until 4pm on Friday and again between 9-11.30am. Any help, even a retweet to help spread the word, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you."

Visit: https://gofund.me/ef75c1a7 to donate.