A ROMSEY family are homeless this Christmas after a devastating fire ripped through their thatched cottage. 

Janet Ewald and her son Mark Ewald could only watch as their home, in Luzborough Lane, burned to the ground last Friday, December 15.

Janet had lived there for 50 years. Janet, Mark and their two dogs escaped unharmed. 

Fire crews from Redbridge, Eastleigh, St Mary’s, Hightown, Beaulieu and Winchester attended the blaze which resulted in the road being closed for several hours.

A fire service spokesman said: "At this stage of the investigation the fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by heat from the chimney heating the timber roof joists and thatch over a prolonged period of time."

Hampshire Chronicle: A cottage between Romsey and Bortn Baddesley was destroyed by fire

Janet's sister in law Veronica Ewald has launched a fundraiser with a target of £2,000. By Thursday, December 21 £650 had been raised.

READ MORE: Romsey thatched cottage destroyed in Luzborough Lane fire

Veronica said: “The cottage is, as everyone can now see, burned to the ground. They have both lost everything. 

“I can’t even begin to comprehend standing and watching everything you own suddenly disappear in flames to a pile of ashes. 

“Not just the everyday practical things living items, but a whole lifetime of memories, photos and personal treasures that we all collect that can never be replaced. 

Hampshire Chronicle: The cottage was destroyed

“I set up a fundraiser to try and help with practical items needed once they manage to get re-homed. 

“Romsey Round Table helped them with immediate shopping voucher donations. Family have helped them with a temporary place to stay. It is heartbreaking.”

On the fundraising page, Veronica said: “She (Janet) and her son, who moved back into the house to support her after the sudden death of her other son six months ago, now have to totally rebuild and start again. So many people have offered to help and I feel this would be the best way. 

“I know we are all struggling with rising costs and this might be a big ask, but any donation, no matter how small, will be gratefully received and passed on to help them start again in another home.”

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The roof was fully alight and with both floors suffering significant damage, crews tackled the blaze externally due to the risk of a roof collapse.

“Firefighters from Redbridge, Eastleigh, St Mary’s, Hightown, Beaulieu and Winchester were assisted by support vehicles from Andover, Alton, Bordon and Dorset & Wiltshire FRS.

“The fire, which is suspected to have begun in the kitchen, was tackled with foam, jets, hose reels and ventilation fans to remove smoke.

“The incident was scaled down overnight with firefighters remaining on the scene to monitor and extinguish hotspots and flare ups.

“Relief crews from Fareham, Totton, Botley, Sutton Scotney and Basingstoke took over from those teams who were first on the scene.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit gofundme.com/f/fryua-house-fire.