A father left grieving the loss of his entire family in a Boxing Day house fire has thanked the community for an outpouring of kindness, saying he is “humbled beyond comprehension” by the support he has received.
Following the creation of a GoFundMe page, Tom Shearman, a serving police officer, has thanked those who have donated, with more than £300,000 so far donated to help him try to rebuild his life.
The page was set up after the deaths of Tom’s wife Nu, their children Eve and Ohner, and their dog Hutch, who died in a house fire at their home in Brimscombe on Boxing Day.
In a message shared on the page, Tom said his life, and the lives of his family, friends and the wider community, “changed on Boxing Day”, describing the loss as “the most violent and traumatic” experience imaginable.
“Three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us,” he said. “My family had its very core, its very essence, ripped from it.”
Tom said he has been overwhelmed by the generosity shown to him during what he described as “the darkest of hours”, adding that while nothing can undo what has happened, the compassion of others has helped him survive.
“My family and friends have rallied around me,” he said. “I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food, and most importantly, company and compassion. I will heal.”
He also shared plans to honour his family’s legacy, saying he will ensure his wife’s “talent, empathy and creativity” live on, alongside Eve’s love of books and writing, and Ohner’s compassion and desire to help others.
Thanking the emergency services, Tom said Boxing Day had been “horrific for all involved” and expressed hope that those who attended were being supported.
He ended his message by urging people to cherish their loved ones. “Please take every opportunity to hug your loved ones and tell them you love them,” he said.
Donations can be made at:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-rebuild-after-an-unimaginable-loss
The family has asked that any further floral tributes or messages of condolence be taken to Holy Trinity Church, Bell Lane, Minchinhampton (GL6 9BP) before Sunday 4 January, rather than left at Brimscombe Hill. Items already left at the site have been transferred safely to the church.
In memory of Nu, Eve, Ohner and Hutch.
