Family's desperate appeal for help after fire guts cottage home on Laois Offaly border

A family has made a desperate appeal for help after making a narrow escape when their historic cottage near Portarlington was gutted by fire on St Brigid's Day.

Linda and Dan Lindholm and their children are hoping people can find it in their hearts to help them rebuild after being left homeless after fire swept through their home at Clonsast, Bracknagh. The blaze also shattered their business which they operated from their home.

Linda has launched an appeal on GoFundMe called Help us rebuild our home & restore Irish heritage. The extent of the damage and the scale of the work needed to rebuild is reflected in the fundraising target of €200,000. 

She explains what happened and how people can help.

"On St. Brigid’s day, the 6th of February evening our family’s world turned upside down. Our loved over 300-year-old thatched cottage caught fire during a power outage in the local area. The fire services did what they could and luckily we are here to tell what happened because the ending could have been very different. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"We lost pretty much everything. We only managed to save a few important personal items but in reality, we were only left with the clothes we were wearing at the time. Our two daughters didn’t even have shoes. It was our home and an emerging business.

"The thatch insurance issue has lately been getting a lot of press and the government did a survey to try to resolve this issue but it’s currently all still in the air without any decisions or supports.

"The aftermath is devastating, but there is hope with the possible help of our amazing community to rebuild this thatched cottage loved by so many. The messages we have received have been heartwarming and all offers for help are more than greatly appreciated," she said.

Her husband Dan has also thanked people for the donations of help so far. 

"We are just trying to establish our options and take each day as it comes...We are all safe that's the main thing," he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE TAKEN BEFORE THE FIRE HIT.

The couple had been operating a business called Spinning Wheel from their home. They produce cut flowers and was also well-being. They run workshops and events on topics such as natural wellness, herbalism, flower cutting and arranging and permaculture and family-friendly seasonal fun days.

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MORE BELOW PICTURE TAKEN WHEN IT WAS ON THE MARKET IN 2019.

Though modernised, the cottage retained most of the traditional features up to the fire and was much loved in the are. The beautiful home is situated just five minutes from Portarlington, and only 10 minutes from Rathangan.

The GoFundMe page is HERE.