I've started a fundraiser for my friend after his South Shields student accommodation burned down
A findraiser has been set up to support a South Tyneside-based student who lost his home to a fire.
Anthony Jay (“AJ”) Salmond’s home was returning to his home after time at South Shields Marine School when, by what he described as “freak timing,” he saw smoke pouring from the windows of his university accommodation.
AJ went into the flat to rescue his kitten and, moments after he escaped, a gas explosion destroyed his room.
Among other items, AJ lost clothes, his passport, food, the certificates he had earned for his course, and all supplies for his kitten. The fire was one of several flats affected in the wider Beach Road blaze last week, where emergency services spent nearly 22 hours tackling a major incident that left 14 residents needing emergency accommodation.
Since the blaze, Salmond’s friend Owen Younghusband has raised upwards of £200 to support his friend.
According to Owen’s partner Claire, AJ is currently staying with his girlfriend while trying to continue his studies, but “doesn’t drive so it’s gonna be a total mare for him,” and she added that she hopes the marine school and his sponsor “will step in and help” once they reopen.
The fundraising page remains open now, with the description reading: “ My friends university accommodation has burned down due to a gas explosion leaving him with no clothes, passport, food, all certificates he's earned doing his course and everything for his kitten.
“We have started this go fund me to help AJ rebuild and recover from this tragic incident in which he had no say in what happened.
“All donations will be given to him to help him get his clothes, documents, toys and food for the kitten and money to travel to and from university has he's had to move back home for the time being. Any donations are greatly appreciated.”
In a statement, Castle Accommodation said: "Since the fire incident at Beach Road on Friday 21 November, Castle Accommodation has been working tirelessly to provide emergency accommodation for residents.
“We set up a hardship fund for essentials, and are working with the lettings agent to source longer-term accommodation from Monday to enable a smooth transition for everyone."