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Kind-hearted residents have come together to raise money for a family who lost everything in a house fire.
Sally White and Jodi Kench set up a GoFundMe page for Julie Wakefield and her family after their home in Ames Road, Swanscombe, was destroyed in a blaze.
The mum-of-three broke her spine, ribs, pelvis and hand when she jumped from a window to escape the flames.
Her son Matt, 25, managed to get out of the property unharmed.
However, his mum 49, was taken to hospital after being treated by paramedics at the scene and was put in an induced coma.
The cause of the fire is thought to be accidental.
Ms Wakefield has since been woken from the coma and is breathing on her own but is still in hospital.
An update on the online fundraising page by daughter Sammie Uings said: “She’s doing amazing she’s off all wires completely, now just concentrating on getting her up an walking couldn’t be more happy for her.
“I’ve showed her what everyone’s doing to support her and she was so overwhelmed by everyone’s support and she couldn’t thank you all enough for all your kind words and donations.”
After hearing about the family’s plight, Miss White, 40, of nearby Milton Road decided she needed to help, so set up a Facebook page to ask for donations.
The mum-of-one said: “The family have lost everything. Julie was left with just the nightie she had on and her son Matt, was left in just his underwear, they have nothing.
“Being a victim of a house fire myself, I thought I need to see how I can help, so I started the Facebook page with Jodi as well as the GoFundMe page.
“We have had so many donations.
“My spare room is filled with clothes for Julie and we have just finished off a hospital bag for her with all kinds of essentials.
"In just over a week donations have so far reached £2,386."
A family fun day and fundraising football match have also been organised for September to help boost funds for the family.
Swanscombe and Greenhithe town mayor, Anita Barham, heard about the family’s plight and has organised an American Night this evening at the Pavilion, The Grove, to help raise further funds.
Cllr Barham said: “I hope Julie makes a speedy recovery and I will do my utmost to help them in anyway I can.”
The night will start at 7.30pm. Tickets on door.
