Thousands raised for family after Fair Isle fire
NEARLY £20,000 has been raised in less than a day for the family who runs the Fair Isle Bird Observatory after their home and possessions were destroyed in the fire that left the renowned research facility in ruins.
An online crowdfunding campaign launched on Monday evening by members of the Fair Isle community for the Parnaby family has seen people from all over the globe pledge money to help them get back on their feet after Sunday’s fire.
Warden David, administrator Susannah and their daughters Grace and Freyja lost their home next to the observatory, and thankfully no one was hurt.
By Tuesday morning, around £14,000 was raised for the family – comfortably surpassing the initial target of £2,000.
“On the 10 March 2019 our friends, the Parnaby family, lost their home and life’s possessions in the catastrophic fire that destroyed Fair Isle Bird Observatory,” members of the 55-strong community said in their crowdfunder.
“We have set up this fund to raise the money required to help them replace the essentials of family life. Everything from clothing, bedding and kitchen utensils to furniture, TV and toys.
“As a community we will be doing our very best to support Susannah, David, Grace and Freya in the months ahead. We would very much appreciate your support as well.”
Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust honorary president Roy Dennis said on Monday that the Parnaby family was able to be rehomed on the remote island.
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