'This one we can’t come back from': Community raises almost £15,000 for Co Armagh father-and-son mechanics after devastating garage fire
GoFundMe appeal for father-and-son team Paul and Mark Hughes has raised almost £15,000 in two days following the loss of their business, equipment and a treasured car.
A fundraising appeal for a family-run mechanics garage in Co Armagh has raised almost £15,000 in just two days after the business was destroyed in a devastating fire.
The GoFundMe page, set up by two days ago by Jordan Mullen to support Paul and Mark Hughes, who run Buckshot Hughes Garage in Loughgall, has already raised more than £15,000 towards its £24,000 target.
The fundraiser was launched following a fire at the garage on Sunday, November 8, which destroyed the premises, along with tools, machinery and equipment used by the father-and-son team. The blaze reportedly broke out during welding work.
Mark took to social media following the incident to explain that the damage meant the business would have to close, apologising to customers whose appointments would be affected.
He said: “Me and dad, we are finished at the garage, so I apologise to anyone who we are going to let down, but, unfortunately, this one we can’t come back from.”
Mark thanked customers for their support over the years, explaining how the garage had allowed him to provide for his family.
“From me and Da, a thank you to everyone who crossed our door,” he posted.
He added: “You let me provide for my family and see them grow up, which I couldn’t [have if I’d been] away driving lorries.”
Despite the scale of the loss, Mark said he was grateful that nobody had been injured and urged people not to feel sorry for the family: “Lastly, this isn’t a pity party. Dad’s good. I’ve four healthy children. There’s a lot to have gratitude for and always someone else worse off. Just on this one, it’s one we can’t come back from.”
The GoFundMe appeal describes Paul and Mark as “highly respected local mechanics” who have spent years building the business and serving the local community.
It says the fire has left them facing the enormous challenge of starting again, with the loss of the building and essential equipment creating a significant financial burden.
The fundraiser states: “What was once their workplace, livelihood and passion has been reduced to ashes following a fire caused by welding. The damage has been heartbreaking, with the garage building, tools, machinery and equipment all lost.
“Years of hard work, dedication and investment have disappeared in a matter of moments. Not only have Mark and Paul lost their building, but they have also lost the tools and equipment they rely on every day to carry out their work.
“For anyone who knows Mark and Paul, you’ll know how much the garage means to them. It’s more than just a workplace; it’s something they’ve worked incredibly hard to build, and seeing it destroyed is something nobody should have to face.
“Now they are faced with the enormous challenge of starting again, rebuilding the garage and replacing the equipment needed to get back on their feet. It’s a huge financial burden, and they desperately need a helping hand.”
The blaze also destroyed Mark’s treasured Toyota Twincam, which he had specially imported from Japan and had been painstakingly restoring.
The fundraiser said: “This wasn’t just another car. It was Mark’s favourite car, a Toyota Twincam, one he had specially imported from Japan and had been lovingly restoring.
“Countless hours, money and passion had gone into bringing it back to life. To see it lost in the same devastating fire makes this tragedy even harder to comprehend.”
Appealing to family, friends, customers, local businesses and the wider community to support the pair during this difficult time, the fundraiser added: “No donation is too small. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will go directly towards helping Mark and Paul rebuild their garage, replace essential tools and equipment, and get back to doing what they love.
“If you aren’t in a position to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would mean the world.
“Let’s show Mark and Paul that they aren’t facing this alone. With the support of the community, we can help them rise from the ashes and rebuild what they’ve lost.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every donation, share and kind word.”
Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser can donate through the GoFundMe page here.