On Sunday, 8th December 2024, the town of Kirkby Lonsdale suffered a devastating fire in the old Market Hall, impacting the Market Street and ancient heart of the beautiful town.

One resident sadly lost their life, and a number of local residents have been made homeless. A significant number of businesses have been seriously affected. This incident has caused significant financial hardship and emotional distress to those affected. A number of businesses and community groups are unable to trade. The full impact of the fire is still emerging, but recovery is likely to take many months. 

Cumbria Community Foundation launched this appeal, at the request of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, to relieve hardship caused directly or indirectly by the fire. The first priority is to support individuals or families that have suffered financial hardship because of the fire and to help with wider community relief and recovery efforts.

The Appeal was launched with a donation of £50,000 from Westmorland and Furness Council so that the first wave of awards can be made before Christmas. 

The Foundation is working closely with the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership whose membership includes representatives from the Town Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, Chamber of Trade, Kirkby Lonsdale Community Interest Company, local churches, NHS Primary Care, Kirkby Lonsdale Community Cupboard CIO and local voluntary groups. The Foundation is also coordinating its efforts in relation to the Lunesdale Hall GoFundMe page created in the immediate aftermath of the fire.

The Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Fund has now awarded a total of £87,500 across two phases to support 83 households. Funding has been used to support those directly affected by the fire, including those left permanently or temporarily homeless and those whose business or job was lost as a result of the disaster.

Comments from some of those receiving grants included:

• "Many thanks for your kind grant; it is very much appreciated. All of our community are very grateful for the fantastic support work done by the council and our Community Hub."
• "I have received the money transferred into my account, and want to thank everyone involved for their care, support, empathy, and sensitivity over the past few days. It has made a huge difference."
• "Thank you so much for this, we as a family appreciate it very much and this will help us tremendously, as we get through the next few weeks of the unknown for us."

Cumbria Community Foundation is a grant making charity (registered no 1075120): www.cumbriafoundation.org

Please note: There is an additional fee when donating. You can choose the level of this fee by using the drop down box at the point of donation.