Parents killed in Blackpool fire named as fundraiser launched for orphaned boys
A couple who died in a house fire leaving their two young children orphaned have been named as their families pay tribute.
Josh Pearson, 28 and Danielle Bamber, 24, both perished in the blaze, with their two boys, aged six and 20 months, both taken to hospital.
A fundraiser, launched by Codie Lee, who said Ms Bamber was her “best mate” at school, added the youngest, Lorenzo, is currently in a coma.
Ms Bamber died at the scene of the fire, which started around 2.30am on Wednesday on Peter Street in Blackpool, while Mr Pearson died later in hospital.
A police and fire investigation is underway into the cause of the blaze - but Lancashire Police say it has found no evidence it was started deliberately.
A GoFundMe appeal has already raising more than £4,500 in donations for their funeral and the couple's surviving sons.
In a tribute issued through the police, Joshua’s family said: “Joshua was a much-loved son, that will be sorely missed, who adored his girlfriend and children.”
Danielle’s family said: “We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Danielle our daughter and her family.
“Please allow us respect as a family to grieve in peace and refrain from any further speculation on social media and to refrain from posting further pictures of Danielle and her family. Please respect our wishes at our time.”
Launching the appeal, Ms Lee, posted a tribute she said was from Mr Pearson’s sister on behalf of the family.
It starts: “On the 17th of July our family lost my brother Josh who was 28 and his Mrs, Danielle who was 24, due to a house fire which had lead to us sadly loosing Josh, and Danielle at a very young age, also leaving their 2 precious boys Oscar 6 and Lorenzo 18 months without parents.
“Both boys left in hospital one in a coma very unwell and one unwell.
“Any funds raised will be towards the funeral costs of both Josh and Danielle and anything left over will be for headstones or the boys.
“Their little boys have also been left with nothing due to losing everything in the house fire, no clothes, toys or anything, any little fund make a difference.
“Thanks for any help or donations.”
Paying tribute to the Josh and Danielle, Ms Lee said: "Me and Danielle were friends throughout high school and were probably the most hated duo through school at one point, being terrible teens together to her becoming a parent.
"I met Josh through Danielle and what a pair they were. They were always down for a laugh, always got banter even if you didn’t want to hear it. They never failed to make you laugh.
"The boys were their pride and joy. My heart goes out to the boys going through what they’re going through and I pray Lorenzo also makes full healthy recovery.
"Its something no one's ever going to forget. My love goes out to all the loved ones. Until we meet again, have a boogie up there for me my girl."
She continued: "Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated from on the go fund me. Without the community we wouldn’t of raised this much."
Ms Lee is urging people to share the fundraising page to "help give them the best send off they deserve".
The remainder of the funds will be put into a trust fund for Oscar and Lorenzo to access when they are older, Ms Lee added.
In a tribute, Joshua's sister Jacqueline said she cannot express how "devastated" and "heartbroken" she is.
She said: "Joshua was literally one of the most caring and loving men ever.
"He would help absolutely everyone that he could. Joshua was the life of every single party, the star to everyone’s eye.
"He did our family so proud. He was the best person anyone could meet and the funniest boy with amazing banter. He never failed to make me laugh and put a smile on my face
"He was one in a million. I'm devastated and going to miss him so much.
"Joshua you were the best and never forget how much you were loved, I love you forever and always you special boy."
Neighbour Kara-Marie Pearson told how her partner, Jake Hartill, who did not want to speak to reporters, saved a young boy from the fire after smashing a glass panel in the front door of the home engulfed in flames.
Ms Pearson said: “If he hadn’t got that little boy out, he’d be dead.
“I heard this almighty bang and I looked out my bedroom window and the whole downstairs was literally in flames.
“You couldn’t even see it, it was pure orange. It was like an explosion.
“All I could hear was the dad screaming out, ‘Help! Help! Help!’”
She said her partner used a bat to smash the glass panel in the front door to lift the boy to safety.
Ms Pearson added: “His skin was red hot, it was burning. Once we moved the little boy to safety, the whole windows just smashed, just blew. We all had to stand back because the flames came right out.
“It was like a wildfire, you can’t explain how them flames were.
“And obviously Dad had stopped shouting at this point, so…
“Smoke must have got to him.
“It was traumatising. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. It wasn’t just like a normal house fire, that was like a wildfire. It doesn’t bear thinking about, those poor kids have got no mum and dad.”
Police said firefighters and officers were called to the address at 2.39am on Wednesday to reports of a blaze with people inside.
Detectives say they are keeping an “open mind” as to the cause. No arrests have been made.
Chief Superintendent Mike Gladwin, of Lancashire Police, said: “This incident has resulted in two people losing their lives and my thoughts are with their loved ones at this extremely distressing time.
“I know this tragic news will be met with great sadness in the local community and people will want instant answers.
“However, there are grieving loved ones still trying to come to terms with this devastating news.
“With that in mind, I would ask for patience and that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation.”