Leyland mum who works on RPH Covid ward thanks "amazing heroes" and community after house fire

Leanne Gabbott, 29, and her 12-year-old son Charlie found themselves trapped inside their burning home in Boundary Street, Leyland last Thursday (November 19).

But two quick-thinking neighbours, David Hardman and Andy Wilson, came to their rescue after spotting smoke coming from the home.

The pair grabbed an extendable ladder from atop one of their work vans and helped Leanne and her son climb out of an upstairs window to safety.

A shell-shocked Leanne, who has been working tirelessly to care for patients on RPH's Covid-19 ward, said she was reeling after her home was engulfed by fire.

Leanne has lost everything in the blaze, but said she has been left "speechless" by the outpouring of support from her friends, work colleagues and community.

A fundraiser was swiftly set up in the hours following the fire, with 176 people donating more than £3,000 to help Leanne and Charlie get back on their feet.

"I don’t even know where to start," said Leanne, as she expressed her appreciation on a local Facebook page.

"Thank God we had two amazing heroes to save us that day!," she began.

"The past few days have been the worst so far yet of 2020 and I’m trying my best to show my appreciation to each and every one of you, but I just didn’t have the head for it until now.

"I've just been concentrating on getting over the shock with my boy and concentrating on getting our Nelly (Leanne's cat) out the vets.

"But wow! I can’t even put into words how much I appreciate each and every one of you for all your help and kind words and most of all donations!"

As well as the online fundraiser, the staff at Morrisons in Leyland also helped raised money with donation buckets on its checkouts.

Leanne said the support has made her "proud and grateful" to live in Leyland.

"Everyone seems to have pulled together to help me and my son. We are so grateful," said Leanne.

"My close friends, family, Morrison’s family and ward 24 family have showed me so much support that I’m speechless.

"It makes me so proud and grateful to live in a town as caring and supportive as this. I love you all."

Leanne said she was also proud of her brave son Charlie, who remained calm as their home began filling with thick, black smoke.

She said: "I'm so proud of how my brave son who dealt with the situation so calmly and maturely.

"I didn’t realise how much of a mature, brave little boy I’ve raised. He acted so fast!

"I just followed what he was doing, as I was stood in shock and didn’t know what to do.

"I asked him in the ambulance, "how did you know what to do?", and he replied, "I just did what they taught me in school mum".

Leanne and Charlie were able to escape without injury, and their cat Nelly is also on the mend after being treated for smoke inhalation at the vets.

"It was a scary, horrific experience, but we’re all here and lucky to be alive.

"Words can’t describe my emotions right now. I'm so grateful and I don’t know how I would have gotten through this without you all."

You can view more pictures of the devastating house fire here.

If you'd like to make a donation to help Leanne and Charlie get back on their feet, you can visit the fundraiser here.

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