A COMMUNITY has come together to raise over £1,000 and a mountain of donations for families whose homes were destroyed by a fire.

Around 50 people were evacuated when a fire broke out in Oakhall Court, Wanstead, in the early hours of Monday morning (August 1).

Despite the efforts of six fire engines and 35 firefighters from across east London, the blaze completely destroyed the roof and top floor of the building, leaving the residents all of six flats homeless.

Among those affected are a single mother-of-four with a seven-month-old baby, a couple with a 13-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter, and a foster family with two children.

An elderly couple whose top floor flat is now completely ruined are still in hospital being treated for smoke inhalation.

As dozens stood and watched firefighters tackle the flames, the Gilling family, who also live on the estate in Harrier Avenue, started to consider the “devastating” consequences for their neighbours.

Bradley Gilling, 21, said: “We were all really scared, because we knew there were little kids inside.

“The size of the flames were overwhelming, I couldn’t believe how much smoke was pouring out, and it just kept spreading.

“People don’t actually realise how devastating fires can be. You can describe it to someone, but until it actually happens on your doorstep you can’t really picture it.”

His 14-year-old sister Kayleigh added: “I didn’t sleep all night and I was out until about 6pm that day talking to people and seeing what we could do to help.

“People from other roads came down and everyone just started buying the families food from the shops.

“The little girls were only wearing their pyjamas and one had no shoes, so people brought out spare clothes for them.”

After the fire was put out at around 6.15am, the Gillings offered to look after their neighbour’s three daughters, while their mother took care of her baby and tried to sort out somewhere to stay.

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said “emergency accommodation” has been provided for all council tenants.

Bradley said: “They have lost everything. They literally have nothing.

“When they came round the younger ones didn’t seem to understand that they weren’t going home, it was heart breaking.

“I turned to my girlfriend and said ‘we have to do something.”

After his mother Debbie asked people on Facebook if they had anything spare to give to the homeless families, the Gillings were “inundated” with messages offering donations.

They also set up a crowdfunding page, which has already raised over £1,200 of the £3,000 target for the six flats affected.

Bradley added: “You could feel a strong sense of community spirit very quickly.

“Anyone that lives in Wanstead knows what a great sense of community there is here, and this has just proven how strong we are.

“Raising over £1,000 in 24 hours is incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

As well as collecting things at their flat, the Gillings organised a drop off session for donations at Wanstead United Reformed Church on Wednesday (August 3).

Church elder at WURC said: “In my experience, this is Wanstead. We always help our own.

“It’s a tragedy at any time, but when so many families and such young children are involved, it’s just terrible.

“It needs to be with a community response, and it’s only right we should help those in need.”

Debbie Gilling, 42, said: “We’re doing it because we know if it was us, people would want to help out.

“Even if it’s just a toothbrush, the families will appreciate it.

“If you can’t donate money, spread the word as much as possible.”

To donate money, see the crowdfunding page.

If you would like to donate pre-loved goods, email esul8956@hotmail.co.uk or bradleygilling@hotmail.co.uk.