Fun and footy add £2,100 to fire fund coffers
The figure is being topped up by a £900 donation from Torquay United supporters.
That is on top of the £10,535 already raised by the fund set up to help Michael and Gill Wojak and their son Ricky following the fire on October 17 in which Stephanie Wojak and Ben McAuliffe died. Their funeral was held last Friday.
At the end of the entertainment-packed fun day at the Farmhouse Tavern in Newton Road, Torquay, the couple and friends held a candlelit vigil and released two balloons with the youngsters' faces printed on them.
The couple's bridesmaid Karen Pearce, who organised the day, said she was thrilled with the amount raised.
"It's just amazing, we are so grateful to all those who took part in and supported the event," she said.
"One of the best things about it was that it renewed and strengthened friendships and that is just as important as raising money.
"So many people contributed their time and effort and everything was done with love. As you grow up and have children you can become distanced from old friends, and I would love it if this event brought my family and Michael and Gill's closer together.
"They are going to need the love and support of their friends and family as much as anything else. They have been so strong, but hopefully that love and support will help them get through this."
John Mowl, of Torquay United Supporters' Trust who organised the collection during the game with Rotherham United on Saturday, said the response had been 'exceptional'.
"People were really keen to give, putting in £5 and £10 notes."
Hayden Jones, from the trust, added: "We think the total is a record for our collections. People just wanted to help. This tragedy has really affected the town."
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