Fundraiser after lightning strike destroys nursery at Cannock home of parents to be
Thousands of pounds have been raised for a Cannock couple just weeks away from expecting their first child after their house was set on fire in a lightning storm.
Stacey Brock and her partner Dean are welcoming their first baby in just less than one month – and had the nursery decorated and kitted out perfectly.
But a recent thunderstorm saw a lightning bolt strike their roof, setting it on fire, and completely destroying part of their house – including the baby's room.
Firefighters and police attended the house in Heathbank Drive, on Monday, August 17, to battle the fire. No-one was injured in the blaze.
Friends of the couple have rallied round in a show of support, setting up an online fundraiser to help them back on their feet which has already raised nearly £7,000 in a matter of days.
Lauren Boate, who launched the fundraiser, said it was "amazing" to see such a response.
She said: "Our very heavily pregnant friend Stacey was incredibly lucky to be unharmed after a lightning bolt hit her home and subsequently caused the house to catch fire, destroying pretty much everything inside.
Too dangerous to enter
"Stacey is 37 weeks pregnant and unfortunately the strike itself went straight through to the baby's nursery, bringing the roof in and destroying all the furniture, clothes and the beautiful contents Stacey and Dean had put together ready to welcome the beautiful new arrival.
"The sheer amount of fire, water from the storm and then obviously water from the fire service itself has further damaged the property with the roof and ceiling coming through and the building now obviously too dangerous to enter.
"Although we are hopeful that insurances will help in the long run, currently Stacey and Dean are staying with family but have very little belongings and likewise for the baby."
Lauren put together the fundraiser in a bid to raise some cash so Stacey could purchase new baby items for when her little one arrived.
And Stacey has spoken about how touched she has been by the local generosity.
She said: "Thank you very much to absolutely everyone who has supported us in each and every way.
"People who we have never met have shown us kindness we could never imagine and we feel so lucky to have the family and friends around us that we do.
"To everyone who has made this horrendous time, just that bit easier, we will never be able to thank you enough."
Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lightningstrike-home to donate.
