THREE years ago the Steinsberg family had to watch their 16th century thatched home burn to the ground.

A blaze which started in the roof of their Lower Radley home spread so quickly they had to run for their lives. They were safe but they lost everything inside their home.

As 70 firemen battled the inferno, Caroline Steinsberg, husband Graham, and their children Sophia, Victoria and Henry could only watch in despair.

Mrs Steinsberg said: “It was terrifying but at the same time it was so surreal. I was just so relieved we had all got out safely.”

Then they were offered a helping hand.

Mrs Steinsberg said: “I shall never forget the two ladies in fluorescent jackets arriving on the scene with torches saying ‘where’s the family?’ “They were called Ann and Fay and they came and scooped us up.”

The women were volunteers for Red Cross Oxfordshire Fire and Emergency Support (FES),.

Oxford Mail:

  • The fire in 2011

They took the family to their van and gave them tea and “comfort bags” with food, drink and clothes until the family could go shopping.

On Friday, Oxfordshire FES, one of the first in the country in 1999, celebrated its 15th birthday and helping more than 1,500 people.

Volunteers arrive at the scene of emergencies and provide clean clothes, food, drink and even pet food as well as invaluable emotional support.

Mrs Steinsberg joined volunteers and members of Oxfordshire Fire Service to celebrate the anniversary at the Red Cross Centre, Abingdon. She and Mr Steinsberg, Sophia, now 18, Victoria, 15, and Henry, 13, moved back into their rebuilt home last year but said the support they received that night will stay with them.

She said: “The comfort bags we were given were so useful until we were able to go shopping again — I have never been so grateful for anything.

“The children really appreciated their soft toys and my son still has the lion he was given on that night.”

Fay Gale, 73, from Abingdon, was one of the volunteers who helped the family that night.

A Red Cross volunteer of 45 years, she was an Oxfordshire FES volunteer from the beginning.

She said: “When you arrive at the scene you never know what you will find.

“Obviously it’s terrible that someone has had a fire or a flood but we’re there to help people in a crisis. You never know when you might need that help yourself.”

  • To find out more about FES and volunteering for the service contact Julie Haycock on 01235 552662



 

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