A CHARD couple who watched their thatched cottage go up in flames last month have thanked the many supporters, helpers and firefighters.

Eight fire engines were on scene tackling the blaze in Cuttifords Door throughout the night on March 30.

The fire was so strong that it caused the entire roof to collapse into the first floor. Owners of the cottage Chris and Steve – who asked for their surname not to be published – say they hope that the blaze acts as a timely reminder for people on the importance of keeping their insurance cover upto-date.

Here is an extract from the couple’s letter of thanks to all those who helped them through the nightmare 24 hours: “We hardly know where to start in thanking so many people for their help and support.

“First of all, the Devon and Somerset fire crews who were truly magnificent, despite the unrelenting high winds which made their job so much harder and more dangerous, all through the night.

“Thanks to our neighbours Helen and Roy who allowed their property to be used as the command centre and made a million cups of tea into the early hours of the next day, and also to Jackie, Jeremy and Chloe for assisting with moving our salvaged belongings away from the house to avoid further damage.

“At the end of the night we had much-needed help from Bev and Cheryll who operate as a victim support team and they took us to The Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster who kindly stayed open late to book us in and didn’t seem to mind our dishevelled appearance.

“In the morning our waitress Lynn was also very kind and made sure we had a take away breakfast to keep us going later in the day.

It was with great trepidation that we returned the next morning in daylight as we had not expected to see anything left at all but we were staggered and overjoyed to see the stone and cob walls of our brave little cottage still standing, thanks to the hard work of the fire crews.

“Our insurers NFU Mutual have been super-efficient and early indications are that we might be able to rebuild within the original structure.

“Other companies like Rainbow and O&H Removals have all put themselves out to help us quickly and we really do appreciate that.

We have met so many kind and decent people over the last few days.

“Thankfully neither of us was hurt but our cat Harry had gone missing. We had called to him all day and were preparing ourselves for the worst possible outcome when he finally appeared from under a hedge, very traumatised but alive and hungry.

“That was the best moment of all and we thank Greenway Cattery for taking him in at short notice.

“Finally, we’d like to thank all our friends for their messages.”