A FUNDRAISER has been set up to help alleviate the suffering of a family who saw their home destroyed by fire just three weeks before Christmas. 

The house fire on Scotch Street, Whitehaven, is said to have been caused by an electric bike's battery exploding suddenly, engulfing much of the home and all their sentimental items in smoke and flames on December 3.

Martin and Janice Nesbitt, who were within the home at the time of the fire, were taken to Newcastle Hospital. Martin currently remains there, suffering from smoke inhalation.

Janice's sister, Mildred Smith, set up a fundraiser to help get the family back on track through donations with the things they need when it comes to finding a new home.

"People have been so very generous especially with the way things are in the country at the moment and the cost-of-living crisis, it's lovely to see people around Whitehaven are still so kind and caring," Mildred said. 

So far, the community has come out in support of the family with a total of £1,330 having been raised. 

"As a big family, we have all put money together to help get them sorted and will do everything we possibly can," she said.

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"From the whole of the family, we thank Kevin Fitzwilliams, his wife Tracey and Craig Kitchen for all their help in getting them out of the house, or it could have been a totally different story," she said. 

To donate to the fundraiser in Martin and Janice's name, visit https://gofund.me/5346e952

A spokesperson from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 1:32pm, four fire engines attended an incident on Scotch Street, Whitehaven.

"The incident was a fire involving one domestic property which was well alight on arrival.

"Firefighters used two hose reel jets, ten breathing apparatus, one thermal image camera, a positive pressure ventilation fan and two triple extension ladders to bring the fire under control.

"Two casualties suffering smoke inhalation were conveyed to hospital by ambulance, fire service were on scene for two hours."

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