Caitlin Blamey, 24, is convinced bad things happen in threes.
At the beginning of the year, on New Year’s Day, Ms Blamey’s father Michael sadly died due to Covid. Then on the day of his funeral, her cat had to be put down. On Sunday, August 1 at 6pm, a fire started in her family home on Bower Street, Kenfig Hill, that destroyed everything but the clothes on their backs.
Caitlin, a stay-at-home mother, her partner Ceri Llewellyn, 29, a groundworker, and her three-year-old daughter Gracie, all managed to make it out of the blaze unhurt.
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“We were sat in the living room,” Ms Blamey explained. “We had just sat down to watch Harry Potter together when we could smell smoke. At first I thought it was someone having a bonfire outside so we shut the window. When that didn’t help the smell we opened the living room door and smoke rushed in.”
Fortunately, Ms Blamey managed to get her daughter and the family dog Nala out to safety immediately.
“We initially thought the fire was coming from the bathroom as there is a lamp in there, but we then saw flames at the bottom of the tumble dryer.”
The tumble dryer – where the family believe the fire started
(Image: Caitlin Blamey)
(Image: Caitlin Blamey)
The dryer was located under the stairs and unfortunately flames tore through all the rooms on the first floor.
The family called the fire brigade who were able to put out the blaze and secure the premises due to structural concerns. The fire service were also able to rescue the family rabbit, Thumper.
Ms Blamey realises how fortunate they were. She said: “I still can’t believe it happened, we all managed to get out unhurt and the community have rallied round us straight away. We can’t even begin to express how grateful we are for everyone’s generosity. It’s overwhelming.”
The couple, who have been temporarily housed in a hotel, unfortunately did not have any contents insurance so are unable to get any of their belongings replaced.
“I’m most upset about my daughter’s bedroom and all her things when I think about it,” Ms Blamey explained. “I get choked up thinking about it. I’m devastated for her, and she doesn’t understand why we’re not going back to our house, or why she doesn’t have any of her toys.
“After the year we’ve had, I still can’t believe any of this has happened. We had only lived there a year and a half, but had really made it ours.”
The house being tended to by the fire service
(Image: Caitlin Blamey)
The staircase of the family home
(Image: Caitlin Blamey)
Ceri Llewellyn, Caitlin Blamey and Gracie Blamey
(Image: Caitlin Blamey)
Thankfully, the residents of Kenfig Hill have rallied round the family in an astonishing show of community spirit. Amy Jones, of the Talbot Community Centre in the village, lives opposite the family. She said: “As soon as I put it on Facebook there were people dropping clothes, toys, bedding, everything down to the community centre. In less than 24 hours, by the Monday morning, I had filled up my Ford Galaxy to the brim to drop bits off to the family. People have been marvellous.
“One woman has even volunteered the use of her van to move everything around when we can. Everyone just really wants to see this lovely family back on their feet.”
So far there have been donations offered of furniture and white goods, but the community centre have had to put them on hold until the family are housed.
If you are able to make a donation you can do so in person at the Talbot Community Centre, Prince Road, Kenfig Hill. They are open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8.30am til 2pm. You can get in touch with the centre on 01656 749754 or via their Facebook page.
A Go Fund Me page has also been set up by a family friend. So far just over £200 has been raised of the £3,000 target. You can donate here.
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