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A devastated family have been left grieving the loss of their two dogs after a fire ripped through their house in Kings Hill.
Angela Scott’s home in Victory Drive, where she lived with her children James, 18, and Sophie, 16, went up in flames at 7.55am on Friday, just minutes after she had left to get a bus to Maidstone.
Her two dogs Rosie, a Staffordshire bull terrier Labrador cross, and Jim, a Staffie, were tragically inside at the time and could not be saved.
The 43-year-old, a former teaching assistant at the Discovery School, said: “As the bus went past Victory Drive I saw lots of people in the road. I thought that was odd as we had only just left and there wasn’t a soul to be seen before.
“It was only when my neighbour messaged me saying my house was on fire I realised what was going on.
“I screamed at the bus driver to stop. My legs weren’t working and all I can remember is walking down my street and collapsing seeing everything in flames.”
The blaze, the cause of which is still unknown, ripped through the upstairs and the roof, leaving the house inhabitable.
Ms Scott said: “All my kids' baby photos are gone. Their first locks of hair are gone too and my nan’s brooch which I’ve had since she died 33 years ago.
“It had no value, it was the tackiest piece of costume jewellery you’ve ever seen but it meant a lot to me.
“The biggest loss for me is the dogs. That’s going to take a long time to sink in. My Rosie was 15 and I’ve had her since she was nine weeks. We got Jim two years later and since that day they have been inseparable.
“The fire brigade told me they found Rosie curled up on my bed. My little boy was underneath.
“Without a doubt that was the hardest, most horrendous, heartbreaking event.”
Seeing the devastation caused by the blaze, the community wasted no time rallying to help.
Neighbours set about collecting donations of clothes, furniture and essentials that came flooding in.
Rev Montgomery from St Gabriel’s Church, which meets at the Discovery School, started an online fundraiser which reached more than £3,000 in the first day. The Teale family in nearby Pearl Way held a garden sale, selling their own belongings, which raised £630.
Overwhelmed by the generosity of her neighbours, Ms Scott said: “I am absolutely blown away, speechless and overwhelmed. Things are still very raw and emotional but a million thank yous go out to each and every single person who has helped us.
“Whether they donated items, money or just left a message of condolence, their support means the world to all three of us.”
Two fire crews spent almost four hours putting out the blaze, which they say started accidentally in an upstairs bedroom.
The family are currently staying at the Thomas Wyatt Premier Inn in Maidstone while housing provider Clarion finds them a temporary home.
A neighbour’s home was also damaged by smoke and water and that family are staying with relatives.
The community has set up an online fundraising page in the wake of the tragedy, which Ms Scott says she wants to share with her neighbour.
The family hope to stay in Kings Hill where they say they have never felt more like part of the community.
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
For more information on how to donate, click here.
