Grenfell Tower fire: London firms urged to fund days out for survivors

Fundraisers have urged west London business to provide free days out for families affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Angie Mays, who is co-ordinating hundreds of free holidays donated by members of the public for those affected by the deadly blaze, is hoping companies will follow in their footsteps by providing tickets to zoos, theme parks and spas.

These activities would give respite to families, many of whom remain in emergency accommodation more than a month on from the fire, in which at least 80 people died.

She said days out were "more realistic" for residents still trying to manage their immediate housing needs, as it was still "too early" for them to think about going on holiday.

Ms Mays said: "Anyone in the London area, it would be nice if the residents had some offers of day spas etc, to relax if only for a day.

"It is still too early for them to holiday and hopefully when they have found their forever homes they will be ready.

"Anyone that can help in any way let me know."

More than 400 holidays have been offered in the Grenfell Tower Holiday Appeal Facebook Group set up by the fundraiser from Ilfracombe, Devon.

So far at least nine fire fighters who tackled the high-rise blaze and their families have taken up holiday offers donated by members of the public.

Three families have booked a joint holiday to a villa in Spain, and three families are to holiday on separate dates in a property in the Isle of Wight, Ms Mays said.

Holidays in Lanzarote, West Yorkshire and St Ives, Cornwall, have also been booked.

Ms Mays said some residents had made inquiries about the crowd-sourced holidays but had decided not to go ahead with booking because there was too much going on.

By next week Ms Mays estimates around £2,000 will have been raised to help with food and travel costs for those taking up holiday offers.

A fundraiser is to be held at Vivid nightclub in Ilfracombe on July 28.

Any businesses wishing to donate days out should contact Ms Mays via the Facebook group.