A group of individuals from the community united to gather funds in support of a family that faced the loss of their belongings in a devastating residential fire incident.

The tragic fire incident unfolded on Saturday, June 24, on Saint Thomas Street North, located within the Werneth vicinity of Oldham. Regrettably, Sadia Shafiq, aged 42, lost her life in the fire, and her daughter was left hospitalised with severe burns.

On Sunday, August 6, a team consisting of 60 participants spanning across various age groups, including men, women, and children, undertook a walk from Oldham to Manchester, successfully amassing a sum of £20,000 dedicated to aiding the afflicted family.

During the walk, two out of the three surviving members of Shafiq’s family were in attendance.

Afruz Miah, BEM, said, “All three ward councillors including Shoaib Akhtar, Fida Hussain and Nyla Ibrahim were also part of the walk which went to the local fire station on Hollins Road as its first pit stop whom the family were grateful for their swift response.

“We then walked a total of 10km all the way to the fire station in Manchester.

“The aim of the campaign is to raise funds in support of the surviving siblings with re-housing, healthcare, educational support and general well being which will be monitored by the charity Global Relief Trust, who are a leading humanitarian charity working in over 10 countries including the UK.”

He added, “We support families and communities abroad when a humanitarian catastrophe strikes but this time we need to respond rapidly and do our bit as the catastrophe happened on our doorstep.

“The support of the community has been phenomenal. Thirty local businesses who have sponsored the walkers t-shirts raised £6,000 alone.”

Councillor Shoaib Akhtar who helped organise the event, said, “The family have lost everything, from personal belongings to whatever you have in a typical home such as furniture. They have also lost their memories as well.”

Councillor Fida Hussain added, “I’m pleased to be here in support of the grieving family.

“Hopefully Sadia’s daughter recovers quickly. It is nice to see so many people coming out in support. Every penny raised will go directly to the family.”