A SELFLESS teen has taken part in a sponsored swim in support of a Redditch family who 'lost everything' in a devastating house fire.

Jess Dolby, aged 15, felt compelled to help out the Brookes family after a blaze ripped through their home on Lilac Close in June - destroying their belongings and leaving them with 'terrible' injuries.

She is the daughter of West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, who previously battled coronavirus in a coma for two weeks at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Jess, who knows the Brookes family, completed a 1km river swim and has has raised well over £900 so far - beating her original target of £500.

On Monday, chief Superintendent Phil Dolby wrote on Twitter: "Yesterday my youngest did a 1k river swim, with supporting flotilla, to raise almost £700 (so far) for a local family close to her who lost everything and were injured in a terrible house fire recently. Went up river on a paddle board before swimming all the way back.

"This poor family lost everything and have been injured as well."

 

Redditch Advertiser: The aftermath of a house fire on Lilac Close, Redditch. PIC: Kirsty Sarah JeensThe aftermath of a house fire on Lilac Close, Redditch. PIC: Kirsty Sarah Jeens

Funds have been collected on a JustGiving page, and people can donate to the fundraiser here.

Jess's mum Mary Dolby, who set up the page, said on it: "In June of this year the Brookes family not only lost everything but also suffered terrible injuries.

"Every contribution will not only help physically but also help them know people care and so lift their spirits.

"Jess, knowing the family, felt very sad when she found out and felt compelled to do something to help."