Workers at Grenfell Tower fire tragedy to talk in Newcastle

Workers at Grenfell Tower fire tragedy to talk in Newcastle

30 January 2019

THE extraordinary community response to aid the survivors of last year’s Grenfell Tower fire tragedy will be told at a special event hosted by Newcastle Lions Club next month.

Three workers who helped out in the days and weeks following the London tower block blaze, which claimed 72 lives, will share their experiences at Newcastle Community Cinema on February 14, starting at 7.30pm, as a special thank-you to local people. 

Newcastle Lions organised a one-day street collection in the town which raised £1,250 just days following the fire which broke out in the early hours of June 14.

The money was given to young members of the Fairlop Alpha Leo Club which decided that they wanted to help.

The children aged between 11-15 particularly wanted to help surviving children who were now homeless along with their parents.

They purchased 394 rucksacks and filled these with items such as pens and books.

The young people went on to purchase 1,000 text and fiction books for the children. In each book, they put a bookmark telling the children that the book had come from the generosity of Newcastle.

The children also undertook a project to help nursery school children and finally they began the process to build a sensory garden and playground for autistic children.

Adults from Dagenham Lions Club guided and mentored the young people.

Councillor Mark Murnin, chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, will open the event which will also be attended by Ireland’s Lions District Governor, Frank O’Donoghue, and his wife, Elaine.

The group from London will also be visiting local post-primary schools to talk to young people about their experiences.

Free tickets for the event can be collected at Smyth’s Musique & Books and Ruffles in Newcastle. Seats can also be booked by phoning or texting Lions on 07725 725932. Donations to the Grenfell Tower Projects will be welcomed.