THE COLEY Park community have gathered round a family whose home was destroyed by a fire on August 10.

At around 12.30pm last Wednesday the end house of a Wensley Road terrace shot up in a blaze, with flames reaching high above the rooftop and thick smoke visible from the centre of town billowing into the air.

Although the five person family, who have asked not to be named, have since moved into alternative council accommodation, they have been left with nothing and no contents insurance to reclaim their possessions.

Neighbour Fay Holland described the scene facing her as she walked out of her home on Wednesday afternoon.

“As soon as I stepped out the door there was a huge amount of smoke and flames everywhere,” said the 59 year old.

“I saw the dad disappear into the thick smoke. I couldn't see where he had gone. He went in three times.

“It makes me feel sick just thinking about it. It could have been so different. There could have been a death.”

Having saved his three children, aged two, four and nine, the dad was met by his partner who had quickly returned home from her job.

Dozens of neighbours gathered at the end of the terrace and watched on as an ASDA delivery man attempted to drop off some groceries to the occupants of the still burning house.

“He was told to go away,” said Mrs Holland. “Even if they had wanted the shopping they didn't have a fridge anymore.”

In the days since the fire Coley Park and further flung Reading residents have come together to help the family get their life back on track.

As well as donations from B&Q, Tesco, Morrisons and Smyths Toy Store, people from across the town have been donating personal goods.

Amongst the hundreds of items are four beds and mattresses, a washing machine, a cooker, a television, books and dozens of toys for the children, who were taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for smoke inhalation but have since been discharged.

Leading and coordinating the efforts is Nicola Leighton, a Whitley resident who has known the dad since they were children.

“Nicola has been an absolute star. Nothing seems to phase her,” said Ms Holland of the 32 week pregnant Ms Leighton.

“I can never thank Reading people enough for what they have done. The people of Reading have been outstanding.”

To help the family go to https://www.gofundme.com/2j5b5vs7