Derbyshire care worker who lost everything in Springfield Mill flats fire 'brought to tears' by help from community

Mary Watkins, 26, was left with ‘nothing but the clothes she walked into work in’ after the fire ripped through her flat at Springfield Mill in Bridge Street, Sandiacre, on Tuesday.

But an ‘astonishing’ response from her colleagues at Sandiacre Court Care Centre, a care home just a few blocks away from Springfield Mill, has quickly helped Mary get back on her feet.

“The outpouring of support and comfort I have received from my colleagues in the past 48 hours has been truly astonishing,” Mary said.

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“Out of the kindness of their hearts, they decided to put together donations, which have now been doubled by Hudson Healthcare.

“My colleagues also bought and donated clothing, as well as providing me with additional financial support that I can put towards a deposit for a new flat.

“I’ve only been working at Sandiacre Court Care Centre for three months, and already my colleagues have become a second family and I cannot thank them enough for their selflessness.

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“Their generosity has truly blown me away, even bringing me to tears on more than one occasion! It is acts of kindness such as these that have given me the hope and strength to get through this traumatic time.”

Kirsty Carter, the home’s manager, said staff were ‘absolutely devastated’ for their colleague.

“We are doing all we can to support her in this awful time,” Kirsty said. “If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it is that in times of difficulty we must come together to support the people around us.”

Crews from nine fire stations were called to the four-storey converted mill at 4.23pm on Tuesday, April 21, and by 8pm the blaze was under control.

Investigators confirmed today that the most probable cause is accidental, but due to the extensive fire damage, are unable to determine the specific cause.

Crews will continue to return now and again to make sure that there are no more ‘hotspots’ that could reignite.

To help Mary, visit her Justgiving page.

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