Washing 2 Go: Rebuild After Devastating Fire

Hi,

I'm Dolly and I'm reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and an urgent appeal for your support. Our cherished family business which I run with my husband Habib, Washing 2 Go, has recently suffered a devastating setback that threatens to undo everything we've painstakingly built over the past seven years.

What began as a small endeavour, with little more than an ironing board in our living room, has evolved into a treasured community institution.

We embarked on this journey with unwavering determination, investing our blood, sweat, and tears into creating a business we could be proud of. Through countless sleepless nights and early mornings, we managed to establish Washing 2 Go as a reliable and trusted hub for laundry services and linen hire.

However, our story has taken a heart-rending turn. A catastrophic fire engulfed our shop, reducing all that we held dear to ashes. In the midst of the chaos and devastation caused by the fire, we also experienced a terrifying moment that will forever be etched in our memories. As we lived above our shop, we woke up in the early hours of the morning, coughing and covered in black smoke. The safety of our family was our immediate concern.

With adrenaline rushing through our veins, we acted swiftly to ensure the well-being of our three children and our beloved family dog, Kushie. We managed to guide them to safety, waiting on the other side as we watched everything we had built go up in flames.

It was a harrowing experience, witnessing our livelihood and cherished possessions vanish before our eyes. The smoke-filled air and the fear for our family's safety only added to the immense weight of the situation.

As we stood on the other side, feeling a mixture of shock, grief, and relief for our loved ones' safety, the reality of the fire's impact began to sink in. The road ahead seemed daunting, but we knew we had to find the strength to rebuild and restore what was lost.

This experience has reinforced our determination to rise from the ashes and rebuild Washing 2 Go. With the support and compassion of our community, we believe we can overcome this setback and create an even stronger and more resilient business.

Thank you for standing by our side during this challenging time. Your support means the world to us as we navigate the path to recovery and begin the process of rebuilding our lives and our business.

This merciless inferno not only razed our physical space but also left crucial equipment in ruins. It feels as though everything we meticulously nurtured and built over the years has crumbled before our eyes.

As a family-run business, our hearts and souls are woven into the fabric of Washing 2 Go. Our children grew up witnessing our relentless perseverance and dedication to providing exceptional service to our community. It was a labour of love, and it shatters our souls to witness it all unravel.

Yet, the fire's devastation didn't end there. We now find ourselves grappling with the harsh realities of insurance. Despite our hopes for some relief, we were dealt a crushing blow when our insurance company refused to compensate us for the damages incurred.

The fire department, after a thorough investigation, has confirmed that the devastating fire at Washing 2 Go was beyond our control. They have reassured us that there was nothing we could have done differently to prevent this catastrophe.

However, it is with a heavy heart that we must also address an unreasonable clause imposed by our insurance company. In their policy, they insist that each item should be individually laid out and air-dried to be eligible for coverage. This clause has left us in disbelief and raises a vital question: How large would our business unit need to be to individually lay out and air dry each item?

The sheer volume of items we process on a daily basis makes it impractical and, frankly, impossible to comply with this clause. It underscores the difficulties that small businesses like ours face when navigating insurance matters.

We share this information not only to shed light on the challenges we've encountered but also to highlight the need for more reasonable and compassionate insurance policies for small businesses. Your support is not only crucial for our recovery but also a step towards advocating for fair and just insurance practices that take into account the real-world challenges faced by businesses like ours.

This denial has left us in a dire financial predicament, with no means to rebuild and revive our business. To fully reopen and breathe life back into our operations, we must replace six washing machines and two gas rotary rollers which with estimated cost of £20,000 in addition to repairing the severely damaged ceiling and electrical re wiring Furthermore, the fire mercilessly devoured our entire linen inventory, a lifeline for our linen hire services, serving Airbnbs and holiday homes. Approximately £15,000 worth of linen went up in flames, representing a substantial chunk of our revenue.

The loss of our linen stock, coupled with the insurance company's heartless refusal to assist, has imposed an overwhelming burden on our family. We simply cannot shoulder this burden on our own. That is why we are reaching out to you, our loyal customers and friends, with a heartfelt plea for support.

Your contribution, regardless of its size, will have a profound impact on our journey to recovery. Your support will not only help us regain our footing but will also ensure that our community continues to have a reliable and trusted destination for their laundry needs and linen hire services.

We recognize that times are challenging for many, and we deeply appreciate any assistance you can offer. To facilitate this, we have launched a crowdfunding campaign dedicated to raising the funds necessary for rebuilding our shop, replacing equipment, and replenishing our linen inventory. Each and every contribution will be channelled directly into resurrecting our business and restoring the invaluable services we provide.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for considering our appeal. Your support means the world to us, and it will transform this tragedy into an opportunity for growth and resilience. We commit to keeping you informed about our progress and expressing our appreciation in every way possible.

Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for your unwavering generosity during this trying time. Together, we can rebuild and forge an even stronger Washing 2 Go for everyone to cherish and rely upon.