NORTH WINGFIELD: Mourners pay their respects to deceased fire victim

Bereaved relatives and mourners yesterday, Wednesday, December 4, paid their last respects at the funeral of house fire victim Claire James.
Claire James' Funeral.Claire James' Funeral.
Claire James' Funeral.

An accidental, electrical blaze, at a house on Williamthorpe Road, North Wingfield, on November 20, claimed the lives of Claire James, 27, and Josie Leighton, 32, and Josie’s children Tyler and Jordan Green while Claire’s seven-year-old daughter Tia escaped with smoke inhalation.

Claire James’ funeral took place at St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield, from 2.30pm, on Wednesday, December 4, followed by a committal at Chesterfield Crematorium.

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Deeply-moved residents have come together in their hundreds to support the heartbroken relatives of those who perished in the tragic house fire and have donated and raised money to cover funeral costs for both families and to help Tia.

Danette Bradder, of Clay Cross, and friends organised the 54 Bus Route Walk from Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire to North Wingfield which turned into a massive march to the scene of the fire where supporters laid flowers and held a minute’s silence.

Lee Forester, of Grassmoor, also organised fundraisers and donations to help Tia.

Claire James’ uncle Adrian Marson has described the amount of support as “truly overwhelming” and as “a source of comfort in this our darkest time”.

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Josie Leighton’s family has also thanked all the funraisers and said the appeals have given them the strength to keep going.

The joint funeral of Josie Leighton and her sons Jordan and Tyler Green is due to take place at St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield, from 2pm, on Friday, December 6, followed by burial in Dark Lane Cemetery, North Wingfield.