Home of NI student nurse burns down after son ’puts two teddies in microwave’ - nurse had been on shift treating COVID-19 patients at time - ‘I never thought I would have to write one of these posts’

A NI nurse is asking for your help after her young son managed to start a fire which left her family home unable to be lived in.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

In a GoFundMe appeal Michelle Dobbins, a student nurse, said: “I have often read other peoples stories on here and never imagined that I would need to ask the people of our brilliant city for help.

“My 9 year old son Patrick has SLD, Autism, Adhd and epilepsy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He has no danger awareness and while life is often chaotic in our house with Patrick and my other 2 sons (11 years old and 2 year old), it is always fun”.

In the appeal launched two days ago, Michelle from Londonderry adds: “Last night, whilst I was on placement in the COVID unit, as a student nurse, my husband was at home with our 3 boys.

“Patrick put 2 teddies into the microwave while my husband was in the sitting room with our other 2 sons.

“Next thing Emmett knew, he could smell smoke and heard the fire alarms going off.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“When he went to check he couldn’t get into the kitchen as it was engulfed in flames.

“Thankfully Emmett managed to get our boys out of the house safely but he himself took in a lot of smoke and was hospitalised”.

She added that now she and the three boys are staying in a Bed & Breakfast as their home is “not fit to return to”.

She said that they were unable to staywith family due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our beautiful home is ruined and we are just so heartbroken,” she said.

“As a student nurse and my husband caring for our children, we are terrified of the impact this will have on us financially, especially in the run up to Christmas.

“I am asking the people of our town to help us out if they can.

“Even just sharing this post would be a massive help.

“Thank you all so much - Michelle, Emmett, Martin, Patrick & Logan x”

Related topics: