Elderly couple lose everything as 90th birthday celebrations turn to devastation

Wales Online

22-05-2025

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Devastated pensioners have lost everything in a fire which broke out at their home. Harold Sharp was due to celebrate his 90th birthday at their bungalow in Prestatyn, on Sunday May 17.
However the day before, his partner Brenda Burrows was using a weed burner, to tidy up outside, when an ember sparked a blaze in the garage, which then spread.
"My mum had visitors down on the Saturday," said daughter Kendra Burrows: "It was Harold's 90th birthday on the Sunday. When they left mum went outside and was burning weeds with a weed burner, trying to get the driveway presentable, because there were more visitors coming down on the Sunday.
"She was burning weeds near the garage and an ember has caught garage without her knowing and with the weather being so dry - its wooden doors on the garage - and it has just gone up. It was destroyed."
Kendra said the fire spread to the utility room, in between the garage and the house, which was also completely burned down, before spreading to a room in the attic. of their home.
However the fire brigade arrived to extinguish the blaze, but the water used to put the flames out, brought all the ceilings down and ruined furniture in the property.
"Luckily the house did not get burned, but with the water damage in the house, everything is ruined," said Kendra, who added the next door neighbour's property had also been affected by the fire.
Harold and Brenda are now staying with Kendra in Rhyl, while they try to sort out the devastation, with the possibility they may be able to move in to temporary accommodation.
The two were not insured and a fundraising campaign has now been launched to raise money for them. The statement on the Gofundme site, which can be accessed here to donate, said: "Hi, my name is Kendra, my mum and dad's house caught fire on Saturday 17/5/25.
"They are 83 and 90 years of age and have lost almost everything through fire and water damage. They are not insured and are absolutely devastated that we have to ask for help but needs must. We would really appreciate any donations so we can get them back into their home as soon as possible."
Kendra said she used to work for a company in Wrexham called Ash Waste, who were donating two skips to help them as they look to clear the debris. Brenda also worked in the building trade for 35 years and the family is asking if there are any builders that know her for help.
She said Harold has dementia and was waking up sometimes confused about where he is and what has happened. Brenda is also devastated and thinks its her fault, "but it was just a freak accident", said Kendra.
A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: they were called to the fire in Prestatyn at 5.15pm on Saturday. "The fire caused 100% damage to the garage of the property. Four crews attended," the fire service spokesperson said, adding the casualties were given a precautionary check at the scene
To donate money to the fundraiser, or to contact Kendra, click here.
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