AN Andover businessman was speechless after receiving a donation of more than £750 from local businesses after losing his family home in a devastating fire.

Rich Burgess and his family were left homeless after the blaze at two connecting homes in Harrow Farm Cottages, Ragged Appleshaw, on Saturday, December 2.

One of the cottages was occupied by Rich and his wife Katie. Also their three children 12-year-old Jake, Riley, 14, and Harper, aged five.

It also destroyed the neighbouring home of Rich’s parents, Debbie, 56 and Danny, 57.

After the tragedy, Andover businesses came together to raise money for the family. Organisers Cllr Iris Anderson and Phil Nightingale, The Record Box owner, handed over the £765.98 on Saturday, December 23 at Burgos Pet World, in George Yard, which is run by the Burgess family. 

They also presented a voucher for a meal for two at the Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant, in High Street. 

Andover Advertiser: Burgos Pet World

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Rich, 31, said: “I'm speechless. The support from everyone has been overwhelming. After going through the hardest thing my family has ever gone through, knowing people and businesses have been rallying together to help us out, it shows there is still some humanity left in this country. 

“The money will help to make Christmas special for the kids and get some nice food for me, my wife and my parents.”

Cllr Anderson said: “Phil had a tin in his shop so people could come in and donate. Between us, we went round to all the different businesses to put posters up. 

“It means a lot because it's community spirit. Andover has got a lot of community spirit. I appreciate all the businesses who have donated. It's very hard times at the moment, so for businesses to do that is really appreciated.

“Some businesses gave money, Yana Vintage Clothing said they would donate clothes and the Chinese restaurant the Golden Dragon said they would do a meal for two which means a lot. 

“I want to thank Phil for having the donation box in his shop, it has been brilliant working with him to help the family.”

The family said the blaze started in one of the bedrooms when a phone charger caught fire, which ripped through both homes within minutes.

The homes have been owned by the family for at least 80 years.

Phil previously said: “I am really close friends with the family and their business is opposite mine, I’ve known them since I’ve been here. They are just a lovely family and they deserve something back.”

Another fundraiser set up by Rich’s sister Laura has so far raised more than £3,700. To donate, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-burgess.