Car wash customers rally round for stricken family

Staff at a Penwortham car wash are doing their bit for a family whose home was gutted by fire.
Staff at Pristine Car Wash in Penwortham are asking for donations for a local family whose home was destroyed by a fire.  Pictured are Ryan Ashbee and Louise Pratt.Staff at Pristine Car Wash in Penwortham are asking for donations for a local family whose home was destroyed by a fire.  Pictured are Ryan Ashbee and Louise Pratt.
Staff at Pristine Car Wash in Penwortham are asking for donations for a local family whose home was destroyed by a fire. Pictured are Ryan Ashbee and Louise Pratt.

Having heard customers talking about their shock at the fire in Bramble Court, Kingsfold, a fortnight ago, owner Louise Pratt decided to do something about it.

She said: “I got talking to Andy the milkman and he mentioned he knew the family, then one of our lads said he knew them too. Two different people mentioned it to me in the space of about 10 minutes, so I thought ‘lets’s do something’.

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“Since I put it on Facebook a week ago, the response has been phenomenal. I’ve had people coming to the car wash who just want to give money, they’re not even bothered about a raffle ticket.

“There has been one nasty comment on Facebook, saying the family will have insurance, but overall it’s been positive.

“The family probably do have insurance, but this is about the community coming together and doing something to recognise the trauma they’ve been through.”

In a week, Louise has collected around £70, and Andy has organised for teddy bears for the family’s young daughters. He has also designed posters to raise awareness of the campaign.

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It’s not the first time that Pristine has taken on charity fundraising. In the past staff have done sponsored sky dives for St Catherine’s Hospice, have decorated and raised funds for Paint Penwortham Pink, and are long-standing supporters of the Katy Holmes Trust.

Louise added: “I don’t want customers to think that we’re going to jump on them to make charity donations, but we’re proud to be part of our local community, and want to offer people that opportunity.”

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