Rapper Sharpey Major's appeal for family who lost everything in fire

Dean Joseph and Rachel Elliston and their two boys, aged nine and five, were fortunately out when a faulty fridge led to a gas explosion at their home in Bicester.

Fire crews responded to what they called “a well-developed blaze at the rear and front of the property, with thick black smoke pouring out of all the windows after spreading throughout the rest of the house”.

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Initially there were fears there might be people trapped inside but only the couple’s American bulldog and husky were in the house at the time.

They were rescued by an anonymous good Samaritan, who went into the house to get them out but has since disappeared.

One dog was unconscious and now has pneumonia.

Rapper Sharpey chats with Ne-Yo

Ms Elliston said: “My youngest son had closed his bedroom door and that was the only room that was untouched. We lost everything from sentimental items to everyday things like clothes and toys.

“We’re now living with my parents but it’s been very hard. The kids are finding it very difficult.”

Rapper Sharpey Major – aka Jason Pearce - was passing the property when he saw the fire.

'Jeopardy'

He said: “I saw the windows fully smoked out with fire and I knew there was a massive problem and someone’s life was in jeopardy.

“I ran straight to the house where I saw a gentleman run inside and rescue the dogs - that gentleman disappeared shortly after and it was unfortunate that I could not get his name.

“I then saw these people arrive to the house which was in flames.”

He added: “I decided then to stay on board even after the house fire to try and fix these people’s lives. I really felt sorry for them.”

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Sharpey set up a Go Fund Me page and the rapper appealed to his fan base and audience to help.

He also reached out to his celebrity pals including platinum selling artist Ne-Yo, rapper Ray J and singer Lewis Capaldi.

Mr Joseph said: “We raised our target of five grand within a week and a half. We don’t know who’s donating as it’s all anonymous but they are very kind people.”

The ceiling in the wake of the fire

Ms Elliston added: “We are very lucky. The council have given us a new property and we’re trying to sort it out and be able to buy things.”

Meanwhile Carpet Trader from Bicester have laid carpets throughout the new house and Homeless Oxfordshire have painted it.

She said: “These people are amazing, we can’t thank them enough.”

The appeal has now raised £6,000. You can visit the fundraising page here.

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