A cancer patient who lost everything in a devastating house fire, including his beloved pet dog and the last photos of his parents, has appealed for help "rebuilding his life".
Brett Ward, 47, who lives on Wren Court in Colburn, had his flat destroyed last Friday (July 7) after a fire at the property at around 11.55pm.
Mr Ward, who was not in the flat at the time of the fire, tragically lost his 13-year-old dog Lady, who he says has been with him "through thick and thin".
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In the moments after the fire, Mr Ward said he was "inconsolable" and "numb", having lost his best friend.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Ward said: "After the fire, I didn't know what to do - I took myself away from the situation and felt completely numb inside.
"I lost everything - my dog Lady - she was my best friend and I feel lost without her - she's like my child."
Alongside losing his dog Lady, Mr Ward lost treasured possessions, including photos of his mum and dad, who he lost at the age of 21.
He added: "Since losing my parents, I struggled on in life and while I've got people there for me and I've got my friends, I feel a bit lost.
"I keep on crying, every night before I go to bed and every morning when I wake up - I'm inconsolable."
A week on from the tragic events of the fire in Colburn, Mr Ward has been put in a Travelodge in Scotch Corner away from his friends, which he says feels "isolating".
Mr Ward must also balance rebuilding his life with battling Lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with five months ago, and is currently on his fourth dose of chemotherapy out of six.
Moving forwards, the 47-year-old says his only comfort is a fundraiser set up on his behalf by one of his friends, Anne Marie McKee, which aims to raise £1000.
Currently on £400, the fundraiser has been created to allow Mr Ward, who has lived in Colburn his whole life, to "start from scratch" and afford clothes, furniture, and other items.
He added: "I'm thankful for all that has been raised so far, and it's nice all that has been done for me so far - I'm appreciative."
Ms McKee, who set up the fundraiser, said: "It was a no-brainer to set up the fundraiser - Brett is struggling right now, and we want to make him feel human again.
"He has had a tough set of cards in life, so if the fundraiser can put clothes on his back and food in the fridge, that's the main part."
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As far as the investigation into the flat fire goes, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that it is looking into the fire but has confirmed that it attended the scene of the incident last Friday.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Crews from Richmond and Colburn responded to a residential flat fire located on the second floor on Forest Drive in Colburn at 11.55pm. Crews extinguished the fire using two breathing apparatus, two thermal imaging cameras and two hose reel jets."
If anyone wants to contribute to the fundraiser for Brett, people can donate here.
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