Outpouring of support for Offaly great-grandmother who lost home in fire

THE Church of Ireland bishop of Meath and Kildare visited Annaharvey woman Olive Thompson in hospital on Monday as the great-grandmother recovers following a fire which devastated her home at the weekend.

“Bishop Pat Storey visited her in hospital which is a nice pastoral gesture on the part of the bishop,” said Rev Isaac Delamere, Tullamore parish.

Rev Delamere, who also visited the 88-year-old in Tullamore Hospital said: “It's amazing she got out alive really. And thankfully she hasn't sustained injuries and it is more the trauma of it all. She has lost everything.”

Rev Delamere said her family have been very supportive of her and it's his understanding they will accommodate Olive (pictured below) once she is discharged.

“The family have also launched a fundraising [idonate] page to rebuild her home. Home is where she wants to be and the kind and generous response so far has been fantastic.”

The idonate fundraiser has been set up by Olive's grandchildren Dwayne, Tara and Kaelyn Thompson.

Their post on the idonate page (https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/DwayneTaraandKaelynsThompson) says: “In the early hours of Friday the 7th of February an unexpected fire broke out in [Olive's] beloved home in Annaharvey, Tullamore. Thankfully she made it out safely and is recovering well in Tullamore Hospital. Unfortunately there is absolutely nothing left within the house only four walls

“We are asking kindly for any help or donation big or small to get our amazing Granny back into her home with her little dog Julia.”

By Tuesday morning over €14,500 had been raised.

Rev Delamere, who is currently covering the parish of Geashill, thanked the public for their support and asked for it to continue.

“In Tullamore parish we are hoping to organise a fundraising event as well,” he said.