Desborough rallies for Lucy after devastating tea room fire

Lucy Clements and her partner Kane Skewis outside her Tea Room. Photo by Andrew Carpenter

The Desborough community is rallying to support those affected by a fire in Lucy's Tea Room.

Firefighters from Desborough, Kettering and Corby were called to the blaze in Buckwell Close just before 8pm yesterday (Wednesday).

A spokesman for Northants Fire said the blaze is thought to have been caused by an electrical fault and has devastated Lucy's Tea Room, run by Lucy Clements.

Firefighters attended the blaze last night just after 8pm. Photo by Andrew Carpenter

In a post on Lucy's Tea Room Facebook page, Lucy said: "As most have probably heard by now we had a fire at the shop yesterday.

"It was bad. Nothing really salvageable in kitchen or first room.

"I am truly heartbroken beyond words."

Lucy said she had built the business over 14 years and has been through a difficult year.

Lucy's Tea Room suffered fire and smoke damage in the devastating blaze. Photo by Andrew Carpenter

To support Lucy, her friend Kerry Stratford at the bar Number 76 have started a fundraiser which has already raised £1,664 with a £2,000 target.

Kerry's business partner, Michaela Marlow said: "It's devastating, she's had a difficult year. It's not been the best and obviously with Covid-19 it's been a struggle.

"We've been trying to help as much as we can to get her back on her feet.

"We have got a raffle we are going to do to raise some money and we have a Go Fund Me page and a tub in the bar for elderly people who might not want to use Go Fund Me. We've already had people coming in today and donating which is nice."

Lucy has vowed to build her business back and she's being supported by the Desborough community. Photo by Andrew Carpenter

The building's owner, Derek Veevers, said: "She's obviously absolutely gutted.

"I spoke to her this morning and she's in absolute bits.

"People have been very, very kind and they've set up a thing to try and get some cash for her."

The shop suffered fire and smoke damage, and resident of the property upstairs, Dougie Garcia, said he had suffered smoke damage.

On the tea room Facebook page, Lucy said: "The shop will obviously be closed for the foreseeable future. But trust me I will build my baby back up. I have to.

"Friends and family last night were amazing."

Lucy thanked staff from The George and the firefighters and police.

She said: "Lucy's Tea Room will eventually bounce back."

To support Lucy and her business, you can donate via a Go Fund Me page here or visit Number 76 bar in Desborough to donate in person.

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