Statement from Tom following Brimscombe house fire

Following the creation of a Go Fund Me page, Tom Shearman has thanked everyone who has kindly donated and said he is "humbled beyond comprehension".

He said “three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us”, and Tom asked for everyone to take every opportunity to hug your loved ones and tell them you love them.

The donation page was created after the death of Tom's wife Nu, their children Eve and Ohner, and their dog Hutch following a house fire at their home in Brimscombe on Boxing Day.

Tom said: "I have stared at my keypad for what seems like an eternity waiting for the words to appear. I have no way to thank any of you for the unbelievable out of this world generosity that you have shown to me in the darkest of hours.

"My life, the lives of my loved ones, my friends and the whole community changed on Boxing Day. Most importantly, and tragically, three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us. 

"I cannot begin to describe the anguish and trauma of the events of Boxing Day 2025. My family had its very core, its very essence, ripped from it in the most violent way.

"While nothing can ever undo what has happened, nor can it ever make sense of the suffering, I am genuinely humbled beyond comprehension at what this page has and is doing. 

"My family and friends have rallied around and provided me with more than the bare essentials. I have a roof (and many offers) over my head, clothes on my back, food - most importantly company and compassion. I will heal. 

"I have already started the ball rolling on a plan that came to me just as I was falling past the precipice of the abyss. I WILL make sure my unbelievably talented, empathetic, compassionate and beautiful wife's legacy of craft, design and making lives on.

"As will I ensure that my bright spark Eve's legacy of enjoyment from books and writing be carried on. Along with my incredible son's sheer compassion and desire to help people.

"I thank each and every one of you for your donations. I shall forever be in your debt and you will now forever be in my thoughts and prayers, hopefully I can repay in some way. 

"Please all take every opportunity to hug your loved ones, tell them you love them. Because, as Paulo Coelho said, one day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you want. Do it now. 

"My heartfelt thanks to the emergency services whom tried everything to save my wonderful family. I hope they are all being looked after by their colleagues and friends. Boxing day was horrific for all involved. 

"Now go light up the darkest corners and the black sky. 

"In memory of Nu. Eve. Ohner. Hutch."

To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-rebuild-after-an-unimaginable-loss

A number of floral tributes and messages of condolence had kindly been left at the location following the tragic house fire.

The family has asked for anything further which people may wish to leave prior to Sunday (4 January) to please be taken to Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton, instead of being placed at Brimscombe Hill.

At the family's request, anything which has already been left at the location has safely been transferred to the church.

Location: Holy Trinity Church, Bell Lane, Minchinhampton, GL6 9BP