Cork family loses everything in house fire one month after dad passes away

A young Irish family still grieving after the death of their dad last month have now lost everything they own in a house fire.

Mary Gore and her five kids were still coming to terms with the loss of their dad, Chris, when their home in Mallow, Cork, was destroyed in an accidental electrical fire this week. A GoFundMe set up by a friend of the family to try and help them rebuild has raised thousands in the 24 hours since it was set up. And the local community has railed around Mary and her children since a family friend told their story on Cork RedFM's Neil Prenderville Show. Carol Guerin told the show how the family had left for school one morning earlier this week, only for Mary to get a call that the house was on fire. She posted on the fundraising page:

"Mary and her brave kiddies lost their Dad Chris only last month. It was a year long battle for all of them and a month on after saying their final goodbyes, they lost everything they own in a tragic house fire. "Mary is devastated in every way possible and I would like people to help in any way they can, every little dontation will help them rebuild their lives."  

A GoFundMe for the family has raised more than €11,000 since it was first set up. A number of local businesses have also chipped in to help the family this holiday season, with number of offers of clothes, Christmas trees, toys and other things to help the family. Featured image via GoFundMe.