My name is Laura, and with Dawn and Mark’s full agreement, I am setting up this fundraiser to support them personally following the devastating fire at their home.

Late on Monday night, into the early hours of Tuesday 14 July, Mark’s car caught fire on their driveway. Within moments, the flames had spread and caused extensive damage to their home and surrounding area.

Thankfully, Dawn, Mark and Storm, their doggy family member, are safe. Their neighbours raised the alarm, called the Fire and Rescue Service and helped make sure they escaped safely. The firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control and save Storm.

Although everyone is incredibly grateful that they are safe, Dawn and Mark have now been left dealing with the shock, damage and enormous practical upheaval that follows something like this.

Many people will know Dawn and Mark as the founders of The Henry Allen Trust, which they created in memory of their son, Henry. They have spent years helping children, young people and families affected by childhood cancer, often supporting people through some of the most frightening and difficult moments of their lives.

This fundraiser, however, is for them personally to help them rebuild.

Every donation made here is specifically to help Dawn and Mark personally during the immediate aftermath of the fire.

The funds will provide some breathing space while investigations, damage assessments and insurance processes take place. They may be used towards urgent and unexpected costs such as temporary accommodation, transport, food, clothing, replacing everyday essentials, cleaning, storage, windows, new furniture, garden furniture, sofa cleaning, garden storage and garden repairs and other expenses that arise while they work out what happens next.

Dawn and Mark are far more comfortable helping other people than accepting help themselves. Agreeing to this fundraiser has not been easy for them, but nobody should have to navigate something this overwhelming alone.

This is simply our opportunity to stand beside two people who have spent so much of their lives standing beside others.

No amount is too small. Every donation will help ease some of the immediate pressure and allow Dawn and Mark to concentrate on staying safe, processing what has happened and beginning to rebuild their lives.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal.

Thank you for supporting Dawn and Mark when they need their community around them most.