More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A family fun day will be held this weekend to raise money for the victims of the Ashford gas explosion.
The event will take place at the William Harvey pub in Church Road on Saturday as two people left critically injured in the blast are no longer in a life-threatening condition.
The pair – who suffered life-changing injuries – were airlifted to a London hospital following the explosion in May, while five others sustained less serious injuries.
Investigations concluded the incident in Mill View, Willesborough, was sparked by a leak in a portable gas heater.
At the time of the blast, Ethel Hanford, 99, and her son Donald, 75, were living in the home that housed the heater.
They were rescued by heroic builder Andy Hodges and his son Harry and were treated at the William Harvey Hospital along with three others.
The two people who suffered serious injuries lived next to the Hanfords.
The fun day’s organiser, Emily Rigg, says the proceeds will go to a fundraiser that was set up in the wake of the explosion.
She said: “A lot has been done for everyone who was injured but some still have a long way to go.
“We are doing a big raffle and have some amazing prizes donated and we’re really keen for as many people to come down so we can raise as much money as possible."
The fundraiser, which was set up on JustGiving by Ben Farnham, has raised almost £12,500.
Raffle prizes include a made-to-order bed by Lush Bespoke Furnishings – worth about £500 – supplied by Lianne Brennan, gym membership donated by Double J Boxing, and a year’s fishing at Conningbrook Lakes from Mid Kent Fisheries.
There is also an eyebrow tattooing session by The Brow Code.
Plenty of other activities will also feature, including a tombola, bouncy castle, face painting and various stalls.
The fun day will run from 12pm.
To donate to the fundraising page, click here, or visit the William Harvey pub's Facebook page for more information about the fun day.
