22-05-2025
Couple 'lost everything' in blaze after 90th birthday plans turned to heartbreak
Couple 'lost everything' in blaze after 90th birthday plans turned to heartbreak
'Luckily the house did not get burned, but with the water damage in the house, everything is ruined'
Damage caused after a fire broke out at the home of Brenda Burrows and Harold Sharp
A devastated elderly couple have been left with nothing after a fire engulfed their home. Harold Sharp was set to celebrate his 90th birthday at their bungalow in Prestatyn on Sunday, May 17.
But the day before, his partner Brenda Burrows was tidying up outside with a weed burner when an ember ignited a blaze in the garage, which quickly spread.
"My mum had visitors down on the Saturday," explained 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 the garage without her knowing and with the weather being so dry - it's wooden doors on the garage - and it has just gone up. It was destroyed."
Kendra recounted how the fire then moved to the utility room, situated between the garage and the house, which was also completely burned down, before reaching a room in the attic of their home, reports North Wales Live.
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A fire broke out at the home of Brenda Burrows and Harold Sharp in Prestatyn
However, the fire brigade arrived promptly to put out the flames, but the water used caused all the ceilings to collapse and damaged the furniture inside the property.
"Luckily the house did not get burned, but with the water damage in the house, everything is ruined," said Kendra, who also mentioned that the neighbouring property suffered damage from the fire.
Harold and Brenda are currently residing with Kendra in Rhyl as they attempt to recover from the devastation. They might have the opportunity to move into temporary accommodation soon.
Harold Sharp and partner Brenda Burrows
Unfortunately, the couple did not have insurance, prompting the launch of a fundraising campaign to support them. A statement on the Gofundme page, accessible for donations, reads: "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."
Damage after the fire
Kendra mentioned that her former employer, Ash Waste in Wrexham, has kindly donated two skips to aid in clearing the debris. Brenda, having spent 35 years in the building trade, is also seeking assistance from builders who may know her.
Kendra shared that Harold, who suffers from dementia, sometimes wakes up disoriented, unsure of his surroundings or what has occurred.
Kendra Burrows with mum Brenda
Brenda is equally distraught, feeling guilty, but Kendra reassures that it was simply a freak accident.
A spokesperson for the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported: "The fire caused 100% damage to the garage of the property. Four crews attended," adding that casualties received precautionary checks at the scene after they were called to the blaze in Prestatyn at 5.15pm on Saturday.
To support the fundraiser or get in touch with Kendra, please click here.
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