Help Rebuild Zach, Dayo & Gabriella's Home

On Thursday 15th May 2025, a devastating fire tore through the home of Gabriella and her two sons, Zach and Dayo, in the close-knit community of Canning Town, East London — a place they’ve called home since 1998. In just a few short hours, everything they had built was reduced to ash: their clothes, family photos, cherished memories, and Zach’s entire home-based business.

Gabriella is an NHS nurse and single mother who has dedicated her life to raising her sons and caring for others. For over two decades, she’s worked long, exhausting shifts while providing love, stability, and strength to her family and neighbours alike. Her sons, Zach (24) and Dayo (26), have inherited that same dedication and resilience.

Zach recently graduated with a degree in Business Management. But his passion took shape at home, where he built Z London Hair, a salon specialising in traditional African hairstyles, braids, and wigs. He taught himself everything — building the salon with his own hands and turning it into more than just a business. It became a sanctuary. A safe, joyful space where neighbours gathered not just for hair, but for healing. It was a cornerstone of our community — a place where we laughed, cried, and found connection.

Only days before the fire, Zach had taken delivery of brand-new, unprocessed raw and virgin hair to launch his next step — his own custom wig line. That investment, his tools, his space, his future — all gone overnight.

But this is not just about what was lost. It’s about what this family has given.

Gabriella is more than a neighbour. She is a pillar. A second mother to many of us. When my own mum, also a single mother, was raising me, it was Gabriella who supported her through the hardest times. And Zach — kind, brave Zach — was just 11 years old when he ran to protect me during a brutal, queerphobic attack. I was 14. I was beaten and hospitalised, later wheelchair-bound for two years. Zach never left my side. He ran for help. He gave evidence in court. He and Gabriella stood with us in our darkest hour.

Now it’s our turn to stand with them.

We are raising funds to help Gabriella, Zach and Dayo rebuild their lives — to replace essential belongings, secure temporary housing, and help Zach begin to restore his business. Insurance won't cover the depth of what was lost, especially for a home-based business like Zach’s, built with years of love and sweat.

They’ve always shown up for others. Please help us show up for them.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings them closer to recovery. If you can’t give, please share.

Let’s help this remarkable family rise from the ashes — and rebuild not just a home & a livelihood but an integral part of our community.