A Paisley family have been left homeless after a fire tore through their home in the early hours of Sunday, 5th April.
The blaze broke out just after midnight at a property on South Park Drive, with the fire believed to have started in the loft. Strong winds during Storm Dave are understood to have helped the fire spread quickly through the roof.
Heidi Mornin, 43, and her two 14-year-old children were inside the house at the time but managed to escape safely. No injuries were reported.
The property has been extensively damaged, with every room affected by fire, smoke or water. The family have lost most of their belongings, including personal and sentimental items.
They are now staying in temporary accommodation after being left with no long-term housing solution. The accommodation has been described as basic, with limited facilities.
A fundraising appeal has been launched to support the family as they try to rebuild their lives. More than £3,500 has already been raised, with donations set to help cover essentials such as clothing, beds and furniture. The family did not have contents insurance.
Melanie Lauchlan, who is Heidi’s cousin, made an appeal on social media and GoFundMe. She said: “My cousin and her children lost her home yesterday in a house fire that was accelerated with the strong winds on Saturday night. My heart is breaking for her as she has worked so hard to achieve everything she had, and although very lucky to be alive the reality of the situation she is now facing is devastating, everything she has left is water and smoke damaged.
“It was horrible to see her so numb and broken. She is always the first to help others and not one to ask for help which is why I’ve set up this page because she doesn’t deserve to struggle any more than she already is.
“For me there is no one more deserving at this time, and any small contribution would make a difference, her son didn’t even have any shoes to wear that’s how bad it is. Even if you can’t donate, please share to try and get her as much support as possible.”
She added: “She has spent her entire life as a devoted single parent, raising three amazing kids through their own challenges. She has always worked tirelessly-first as a hairdresser in Paisley, and then retraining to become a paediatric nurse, caring for some of the most vulnerable children, two recently diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Every penny she’s earned has gone into providing a loving, stable home for her family.
Photo: The Mornin family before the fire which destroyed their home
Photo Credit: Family handout
“Like so many, she has been struggling with the rising cost of living and high private rental expenses, leaving little to spare each month. Contents insurance simply wasn’t something she could prioritise-like most of us, she never imagined losing everything in a fire.
“In a matter of hours, everything she has worked for, built, and cherished over the years has gone
“Yesterday, we helped clean the emergency accommodation she’s been temporary given. It’s basic and far from a home-there’s no shower, the furniture is worn and stained, and none of the comfort or familiarity they once had remains. The reality of how much has been lost hit us when her son didn’t even have a pair of shoes to wear.
“Beyond the material loss, so many irreplaceable sentimental items are gone forever. She is one of the most selfless people I know-always putting others first, always working hard, always offering help where she can. She would never ask for help herself, which is why I’m doing it for her.
“We’re hoping to raise funds to help ease some of the immediate pressure she is facing, give her and her children a sense of stability, and support them as they begin to rebuild their lives. Donations will go towards essentials like clothing, beds, furniture and basic necessities, helping to make life more comfortable for the children and giving her a chance to get back on her feet.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.45am on Sunday, 5 April, to reports of a fire within a property on South Park Drive in Paisley.
“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and a high reach appliance to the scene, and the fire was extinguished. There were no reported casualties, and crews left the area after ensuring it was safe.”
Photo: Fire damage inside the Paisley home following the blaze in the early hours of Sunday
Photo Credit: Family handout
Photo: Severe damage to the roof space after the loft fire spread through the property
Photo Credit: Family handout