Help Our Mum Rebuild After the Saltdean House Fire

On 12 August 2026, our friend and neighbour Vicki Peaster lost her home in a devastating fire in Saltdean. The house was severely damaged, and almost everything inside was destroyed.

Thankfully, everyone escaped, including Vicki’s much-loved dog, Rio. When Rio became frightened and hid inside the house, Vicki went back in to get him, as many of us would have done for our own pets. In doing so, she suffered third-degree burns to her foot and is now recovering while trying to come to terms with everything that has happened.

The fire destroyed Vicki’s clothes, essential belongings, important documents, stock from her small business and treasured family possessions, including irreplaceable memories from her children’s childhoods.

Sadly, a recent change in circumstances meant that the house and its contents were not insured at the time of the fire. This has made an already incredibly difficult situation even harder, leaving Vicki facing the enormous challenge of rebuilding without the financial support an insurance policy would normally provide.

We are setting up this appeal to help her replace everyday essentials, support her recovery and contribute towards whatever work is needed to make the property safe and, if possible, rebuild her home.

We would be incredibly grateful for any support, whether that is a financial donation or an offer of help from tradespeople, builders’ merchants, suppliers or anyone able to contribute their time, expertise or materials.

If you cannot donate, sharing this appeal with friends, family and the local community would also make a real difference.

Vicki has a long road ahead, but with the support of the people around her, we hope to help her take the first steps towards rebuilding her home and her life.

Thank you for every donation, offer of help and share.