The Meriden community has pulled together as people donate to the families left homeless by a tower block fire.

A fire broke out at the Abbey View tower block this morning at around 5am with residents fleeing the scene fearing for their lives.

Following the blaze, Danielle Mcpherson, 30, posted on the Meriden Residents Association Facebook group that she wanted to support those who were affected by collecting and donating clothes, shoes and toiletries.

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Mrs Mcpherson, who lives on the Meriden estate, asked for people to “help in anyway”.

The post received a raft of positive responses, with people asking how they can help.

Mrs Mcpherson, who lives with her husband and four children, told the Watford Observer that she wanted to find a way to help the families.

She said: “So far, I have had two people drop off a large amount already.

“We have shoes and clothing for the parents and children.

“We haven’t had any toiletries yet, but we would welcome any nappies or wipes. Anything families will need.

“There are more people coming forward, I have another two or three people donating today.”

Watford Observer: Mrs Mcpherson (inset) has already received donations and more are being sent. Picture: Danielle McphersonMrs Mcpherson (inset) has already received donations and more are being sent. Picture: Danielle Mcpherson

Mrs Mcpherson and her husband will drop off the donations to the families that she is aware need help.

She added she would like to find all the families affected by the fire to help them too.

Mrs Mcpherson said: “Whatever will be donated to my home will go directly to the families.

“I know who one of the families is and I am trying to track down the others to find out what they need. It would help to know their sizes.

“I can’t imagine what it must feel like to lose everything.

“But God forbid if anything like that happened to my family, I would like to be helped too.”

Watford Observer: The fire broke out around 5am this morning. Picture: Kimberley HackettThe fire broke out around 5am this morning. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

Mrs Mcpherson said she will also collect toys to donate to the children.

If you would like to donate, Mrs Mcpherson can be contacted on Facebook.

Councillor Amanda Grimston has also said she can direct donations by calling 07702 815172.  

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