Reynolds family 'so grateful' for support after house fire

A Walderstown woman who watched her family home of over 40 years go up in flames just weeks ago has thanked the local community for rallying around her and her family in their time of need.

Marian Reynolds said she and her family are so grateful for all the support they have received and paid tribute to neighbours, who came to their aid, and the firefighters who tackled the blaze.

"We can't get over the goodness of people, they are so thoughtful. We appreciate it so much," said Marian as a GoFundMe page set up to assist the family which has raised almost €30,000 is due to be closed this week.

Marian and her late husband Gerry, a renowned uileann piper, built the house on Tones Road, Walderstown, over 40 years ago as their first and only home. Until the devastating fire, Marian was living in the house with her children Gary and Aisling and her grandson Jayden.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week about the fire on Saturday, August 9, Marian said: "I was just back from a walk, I was out with my grandson, and I saw the smoke. Usually we'd go for a rest after our walk but we didn't. I went to the kitchen and I saw the smoke and I just grabbed him and ran. I rang the fire brigade, luckily I had my phone in my pocket."

"It was terrible to see everything go up, and not a thing you could do," said Marian. "We hope to be able to rebuild, please God."

"Our neighbours all came to us," said Marian, who explained that her priority was simply to get her grandson Jayden away from the fire.

"All the neighbours came and tried to relax us. It was awful, but we were alive and nobody was hurt, which was the main thing. All we want is to have our little house built up," added Marian.

Marian paid tribute to the firefighters who attended the fire, and said they were able to retrieve some jewellery of sentimental value for her. She added that everything in the house suffered smoke damage.

She is extremely grateful for the support of the local community in Walderstown and to all those who contributed to a GoFundMe page established to help the family. Marian, who enjoys social dancing at Cloghan Hall, also thanked the organisers and her dancing friends for their generosity, and all of her friends who donated to her in person.

"They are so generous and so thoughtful, and we really appreciate all they have done," said Marian.

"I miss my home and I miss all my memories, but there's nothing I can do only manage the best we can. I'm so grateful nobody was hurt, it could have been a different story."

She said the GoFundMe page will be wound down now, adding that people have been really good and it's time to give someone else a chance now.

Local councillor Tom Farrell paid tribute to all those who donated. "I'd like to thank friends and neighbours, and all those who donated. I'd like to thank all those who volunteered as well."

The final day for donations is September 6, and anyone wishing to support can go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/family-of-gerry-reynolds-marian-reynolds-walderstown