A FUNDRAISING campaign is under way in Hyndburn to help a mother and her children who were victims of a devastating house fire.

The home of mum-of-three Amy Milton, of Westwood Street, Accrington, was hit by fire on Monday, which destroyed almost all of her and her children’s belongings.

But now Jade Unellski, also of Accrington, is running a crowdfunding campaign to help Ms Milton through this difficult time.

Ms Unellski said: “I can’t imagine what it’s like to be in that situation, to have lost so much, especially during this time, with everything that’s been going on.

She added: “I’m grateful for everything I’ve got, but she’s now been left with nothing.”

Ms Milton is a student who is currently juggling her studies alongside caring for her children.

The fire could not have come at a worse time, with her next student finance payment not scheduled until the middle of next month.

She is also struggling to buy essential items for her children, given that most shops have now closed due to the ongoing lockdown situation, while public services that could have helped her have seen their activities severely limited.

Fortunately for Ms Milton, Ms Unellski was told about the story through mutual friend Cathy Bates and in response set up the crowdfunding appeal on the website JustGiving.com.

The appeal has already reached £182 of its £500 target.

Ms Unellski said that she herself had faced struggles as a student and understood some of the difficulties the family faced.

Ms Unellski hopes that the funds will be able to buy food, clothes, household goods and children’s toys to help the family.

She said: “What with everything that’s been going on at the moment people have been finding it difficult to get donations, so anything we can do to raise awareness is so important.”

This generous cause is only one part of Ms Unellski’s plans.

She has also set up a new organisation, Grassroots-UK, which was formed in the wake of last December’s General Election and aims to act as a platform for people to do good works in their communities across the UK.

Visit the appeal for Amy Milton at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpamymilton.