Community rallies to support fundraising effort for arson-hit Wisbech club

An appeal launched following a devastating arson attack on a Wisbech club has raised over £4,400 in less than 24 hours.

Trudy Furness launched the GoFundme page following the fire at the Ex-Services Club in Alexandra Road in the early hours of new Year’s Day.

She said the attack had left staff, its committee and its members in “utter disbelief”.

Trudy said: “How could someone intentionally set out to destroy a non-profit organisation.”

She said members who include ex-service personnel use the club for company and to enjoy a drink and watch and play sports as well as listen to music.

“The club is in a bad way, although it seems to be structurally sound, most of the internal damage is far beyond repair, with the majority of it needing to be stripped back, cleaned, and rebuilt, which could take months,” said Trudy.

Adding: “While we keep our hopes pinned on the perpetrators being brought to justice, our focus is to get to work and rebuild our very special club.

“We thank each and every one of you who has reached out to offer support and assistance, it is very much appreciated. Those who rallied to help secure the building after the fire brigade and police released it back to committee a massive thank you also.”

While the club’s insurance will cover its renovation with fixtures and fittings such as carpets it only has limited cover for extras such as televisions, projectors, sound system and other equipment.

Trudy concluded: “We need your help more than ever, anything you can spare or running fundraisers while we get to work would be much appreciated. We have one of the best community clubs around, let's get it back on its feet as quickly as we can.”

Launching the appeal yesterday (Thursday) morning Trudy set a target of £5,000 and less than 24 hours later the total had already hit over £4,400, but the more raised the more the committee can do.