Southwold’s Mrs T’s Fish and Chips thanks community after more than £5,000 raised after harbour blaze tragedy

The owners of a fish and chip shop gutted by a huge fire in Southwold have thanked the generosity of its community after a fundraiser on its behalf surpassed its target.

Mrs T’s Fish and Chips, alongside nearby Sole Bay Fish Co, and eight fishermen’s huts, were engulfed after the town’s harbour went up in flames during the early hours of May 1.

Eight engines plus support vehicles, 55 firefighters and a drone managed to contain the blaze quickly.

A pledge to raise cash for the business was set up the following day, and raised over £3,000 in under 24 hours – and surpassed its £5,000 target over the weekend.

Owners George and Christopher Christou said the team were thankful for the support after their lives had been ‘turned upside down’.

They said: “To be honest, it's been a horrible nightmare. Our family business disappeared in one night.

“We are extremely thankful and overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers with their donations, and it will help tremendously.

“We are working on a plan moving forward and will be keeping our customers updated with videos and photos of the development over the coming months.”

The fundraiser was set up by 26-year-old Jasmine Webb from Beccles, and has raised just short of £5,500.

She said she was inspired to help after the tragedy, having known the family behind the shop personally.

Jasmine added: “I set it up because I saw how much support and love the customers where giving Mrs T’s on a Facebook post and many of the customers suggested someone set up a fundraiser because they didn't know how to do it.

“If I was in the same situation I'd like to think people would come together and help, its always been such a lovely community in Southwold.”

Mrs T’s remains closed after the tragedy.

Sole Bay Fish Co, located next door, partially reopened on May 6.