Tributes to ‘lovely’ mum-of-four, 44, pictured after death from horror house blaze, as family remain in hospital
TRIBUTES have poured in for a “lovely” mum-of-four who died in a horror house blaze that has left her family in serious condition in hospital.
Rebecca Downes, 44, died in the early hours of Wednesday morning when a devastating fire ripped through the top floor of the family’s Blackpool home.
The mum-of-four – who has now been pictured – escaped from the top floor with her family and was rushed to hospital where she sadly died form her injuries.
Her partner – aged in his 50s – and three of her children – aged 13, 16 and 26 – were also taken to hospital.
One of her daughters suffered extensive burns to her body while Rebecca’s partner remains in a serious condition at Wythenshawe Hospital Burns Centre in Manchester.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family who are in “complete total shock”.
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Rebecca’s cousin Siobhan McDonagh said: “Our family tragically lost our Becky who was only 44-years-old, early hours this morning on the 6th July 2022.
“Her children have not only lost their mum but their home, belongings and all the lovely memories they gathered in their home.
“Let’s raise enough money to support and secure her children at this tragic time.”
She said Becky was known for her generosity and cooked for the homeless on occasions and opened her door for everyone.
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“Becky didn’t have much herself but this was never an issue when she was helping others,” she said.
“The most important gift in life for her was always to show love, care and kindness to all……Let’s now return the favour to her four children at this difficult time.”
In an update today, the family said it was still coming to terms with the horror ordeal.
“As everyone is aware our beloved Becky lost her life in a house fire in Blackpool. Whilst there were no other fatalities her daughter is in hospital suffering burns to her entire body, Becky’s partner is also in hospital in critical but stable condition,” the family said.
“The family as a whole are still in complete total shock and her three other children are suffering massively after having to watch the whole tragedy unfold.
“We will forever love and miss our Bec but as a family we need to support her children and partner in this difficult time.
“Not only have they lost their mother but also their home and also their lives as they knew it.
“Any help for our family would be greatly appreciated. As a wider family we are rallying round and doing all that we can do at this present time.”
Sister Julie Downes added: “Words cannot express how I feel at the minute. My beautiful sister Becky C has been tragically taken away from us. My heart is breaking. Give mum a great big hug from me xx.”
Neighbours said that Becky was a much-loved friend who had lived on the street for six years.
One said: “She was a lovely lady who would help anybody and was loved by all her neighbours.
“She was the one who we would all turn to if we needed anything.
“She also spent a lot of time helping the homeless.
“We will miss her so much.”
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Today the fire service were going door-to-door making safety checks on her neighbours’ properties.
Floral tributes were left at the scene of the tragedy.