Together for the Judges – Rebuilding after the fire.

In the early hours of Saturday, 17th May 2025, the Judge family home was shaken awake by the sound of crashing and smoke alarms.

A dehumidifier just 2 months old had suddenly failed and caught fire in the dining room, quickly filling the entire house with thick, toxic black smoke.

Thankfully, everyone made it out safely. At the time of the fire, the house was occupied by Glen, his son Dan and Dan’s 2-year-old son, Glen’s daughter Chloe, her partner Tom, and the family dog, Bobbie. Bobbie, who is both blind and deaf, was saved thanks to Tom, who risked his own safety to go back inside to rescue him.

After being checked at the hospital for smoke inhalation, Glen was found to be the most affected having re-entered the house multiple times to turn off the gas, retrieve car keys, and search for the dog.

Sue, Glen’s wife, was away at the time but returned immediately to support the family. It was then that Glen made a heartbreaking discovery: The home that had been insured for the passed 33 years was not due to the insurance policy renewal been missed due to health problems and brevement in the family.

What Was Lost.

As you can imagine, the family is devastated. This tragedy has left four people and a dog without a place to live. There is no electricity, no hot water, and almost everything food, clothes, bedding, and a lifetime of possessions have been smoke damaged.

To make matters worse, some of Sue's mobility aids were also damaged, and she relies on them daily due to mobility issues.

In true Judge family spirit, they’ve already rolled up their sleeves and begun the massive cleanup taking the devastated dining room back to bare brick, with the floor and ceiling gone. They’ve begun cleaning the whole house from top to bottom, but sadly, deciding whats worth saving due to smoke damage is proving difficult.

How You Can Help.

As many of you know, the Judge family are always the first to offer help and the last to ask for it. But now, they need support more than ever.

The emotional toll of this disaster is mounting.

Each day reveals more damage and loss. What was once a warm, open home a safe space for their children, grandchildren, and friend's in need is now uninhabitable.

I'm trying to raise an initial £5,000, with estimated costs currently nearing £20,000 to make the house livable again. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards

and helping this incredible family recover and rebuild. You’re not just helping to fix a house you’re helping restore the heart and home of one of the most kind, loving, families I know.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for your kindness, support, and generosity.

With gratitude,

James Lidster.