A serving Gloucestershire police officer is confronting "unimaginable grief" after a devastating house fire claimed the lives of his wife and two young children on Boxing Day.
Tragedy Strikes in the Early Hours
Emergency services were called to a property on Brimscombe Hill, near Stroud, at approximately 3am on 26 December. The blaze had already taken hold of the family home. Tom Shearman, the father and husband, bravely attempted to rescue his family but was forced back by the intensity of the flames.
His wife, Fionnghuala Shearman, affectionately known as Nu, perished in the fire alongside their two children: seven-year-old daughter Eve and four-year-old son Ohner. Tom Shearman was taken to hospital for treatment and remains there, having lost everything in the tragedy.
Community Rallies with Practical Support
Friends of the family have launched a GoFundMe page to provide immediate and future support for Tom. Organised by Lucy Bourne and Victoria Armstrong, the fundraiser aims to alleviate the financial pressures he now faces.
A statement on the page reads: "Tom is now facing an unimaginable period of grief alongside the very real and immediate practical reality of having nothing left." The funds will assist with emergency accommodation, clothing, essentials, and time away from work, allowing him to focus solely on his recovery.
The campaign has seen an outpouring of support, raising over £30,000 at the time of writing. The organisers have emphasised that sharing the page is as valuable as donating for those unable to contribute financially.
A Long Road Ahead
Tom Shearman, a dedicated police officer who serves the local community, now requires that community's support in return. The loss of his entire family in a single night has left him with profound trauma and practical challenges.
The fundraiser highlights the many unexpected costs that arise following such a catastrophe. The primary goal is to ensure Tom can navigate each day without the added burden of financial worry during this horrific time.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, while friends and colleagues rally around the bereaved father, offering condolences and practical aid.
