Worthing community rallies to support family that lost everything in New Year's Day fire
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support a Worthing family that lost everything in a house fire on New Year's Day.
The parents and children are being treated in different hospitals following the fire at their home in Abingdon Walk, Durrington.
Friend Angie Deeprose, a well-known pub landlady in the town, said: "They have lost everything so any donations would help. Their house burned down on New Year's Day with them and their kids in it. The kids are in different hospitals, the family all split up."
The appeal 'helping a family rebuild after a tragic housefire' was launched on GoFundMe by close family friend Shona Moore and is being shared with gratitude from the family.
Shona said: "This GoFundMe page has been created to support Lynn, Steve and three children following a devastating house fire at their family home in Worthing, in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
"Lynn and Steve are now facing an unimaginable period of grief alongside the very real and immediate practical reality of having absolutely nothing left.
"This fund has been created to help support the family with the practical needs they are facing now, and months to come. These proceeds will go towards emergency accommodation, clothing and essentials, time away from work and the many unexpected costs that arise during a period like this.
"The family are currently split up with the children and one of the parents being located in different specialist hospitals, with significant injuries. Steve will be travelling from Worthing to Bristol, to East Grinstead and Brighton, where the children and Lynn are located.
"The important factor at the moment is getting through each day without the added pressure of finances. Any contribution to this GoFundMe page, no matter how small, will go a long, long way and be greatly appreciated! If you are unable to donate, sharing the page to friends, and family will also go a long way, and make a huge difference."
A target of £4,000 has been set and already nearly half that total has been raised. Visit www.gofundme.com/f/helping-a-family-rebuild-after-an-unimaginable-loss to make a donation.
Lynn was rescued by firefighters after the fire broke out in the early hours of January 1, 2026. Six fire engines attended the scene, along with Sussex Police.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 4.14am to reports of a fire involving a residential property on Abingdon Walk in Worthing.
“Joint Fire Control mobilised six fire engines to the scene. Upon arrival firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building and rescued a woman in her 50s, and provided initial first aid before handing over to the care of paramedics.
“The fire was extinguished using two jets, and firefighters worked swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.
“Crews remained on scene until the morning to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and the area made safe. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but an investigation will be carried out."
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “The road was closed while West Sussex Fire and Rescue worked to control and extinguish the fire.
“Five occupants of the house sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
“An investigation is ongoing alongside West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the fire, which is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”