Low Street, Bardwell, families uprooted by fire express thanks as The Dun Cow fund-raiser hits £14,000

Families whose lives were uprooted after a fire ripped through their homes have thanked the community which turned out in style to raise more than £14,000 for them.

The Bardwell Together fund-raiser took place at The Dun Cow, in Up Street, Bardwell, on Saturday, with landlord Kevin Bird estimating more than 1,000 people attended over the course of the day.

All of the proceeds from the event went to the parish council’s GoFundMe page for the Low Street residents, whose homes were gutted in the fire on April 19.

Residents and businesses sponsored barrels of beer for an outside bar, while there were also a range of stalls and an auction and raffle, with prizes including helicopters rides and a Nascar experience.

The event has pushed the total amount raised for the families so far past £40,000.

A statement from the families made on Thursday read: “Following the devastating fire at the cottages on Low Street, our much loved homes, we’d like to send a collective thank you to everyone that has helped us over the last few weeks.

“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity, the offers of assistance, the fund-raising events, the hugs and, of course, the endless cups of tea.

“We are also truly thankful for the bravery and professionalism of the Suffolk and Norfolk fire crews who attended; and are grateful for the support and dedication of the parish and district councillors.

“We know we have a long journey ahead, but we take strength from the incredible community spirit that we have experienced.”

Lee Maddox, a Bardwell fund-raising stalwart, put together the event. He said the support was amazing, and he just wanted to give the community a chance to come together and raise as much money as possible for the affected families.

Kevin Bird, landlord of The Dun Cow, said: “It’s quite amazing really. The amount of people we saw here who have never been to the pub before.

“Your heart goes out to these residents, and Lee said we needed to do something, so I just let him have free run of the pub.

“It’s good that everyone has come out to support it; a big thank you to everyone who has taken part and sponsored a barrel.”

Kevin gave his thanks to Lee Ashford, who he said voluntarily put in a 15-hour shift to compere the event.

David Ruffles, chairman of Bardwell Parish Council, said the event was evidence of the big show of community spirit since the blaze.

“It was a lovely atmosphere, everyone came together to help the cause. As chairman, I am really pleased and proud of the way this village has responded, it’s terrific,” he said.

David also expressed his gratitude to Lee, adding it was astonishing he managed to get the event together in just two weeks.