Devastating Fire!

Dear Friends, Family and Community,

On Monday, January 9th, 2023, my husband Tom, was badly burned in his machine shop as a result of a gasoline fire. His shop, Hilltop Machine Works, suffered significant damage. Tom has 2nd degree burns over 54% of his body and 1st degree burns on his face, neck and hands. One entire leg is on the cusp of having 3rd degree burns. The healing process has been a slow progression. Even though a month has passed, Tom still has deep, serious burns that give him great pain and discomfort. It will take several more months for Tom to heal.

Tom finished building his shop a little less than two years ago, so the sudden loss has been particularly devastating. Unfortunately, the shop was not insured. Because Tom also does welding and fabrication in his shop, several insurance companies were not interested in insuring the shop. The one that was interested charged a premium that was not affordable.

Tom is retired and built his shop because of his love for machining and his skill to create and fix things. The shop helped to supplement his income. With the damage to the shop, the loss of income has been substantial.

We want to thank the Rural Retreat EMS for their professionalism and quick response in getting Tom to Wythe County Community Hospital ER in such a timely manner. Thank you to the volunteer fire departments of Rural Retreat and Speedwell for their skill and knowledge in quickly extinguishing the fire and preventing the fire from causing more damage. A portion of the GoFundMe proceeds will be donated to Rural Retreat EMS, Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department and Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department.

I have started a GoFundMe to help pay Tom’s ongoing medical expenses as well as start the process of rebuilding his shop. If you are able to contribute, even a small amount, it would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Tom’s loving and caring wife,

Bess