A fundraising campaign has been established to assist with funeral costs for four family members who lost their lives in a suspected arson attack at their Co Waterford residence, while a football club has paid a heartfelt tribute to young Callum, who perished alongside his parents and sibling.
The tragic couple Philip English and his wife Kim, both in their late 40s, died along with two of their children, Callum and Jayden English, both under 10 years old, when their home was targeted in the early hours arson assault in the Birchwood estate near Waterford city. All four victims have been identified locally.
Two surviving children critical in hospital
The couple's two remaining young children are fighting for their lives in Children's Health Ireland Hospital in Crumlin, south Dublin, after being rescued by emergency response teams. It is believed that a petrol bomb was hurled at the innocent family's front door shortly after 5am. It's also been reported they may have been targeted over a debt.
As relatives struggle to come to terms with losing four members of the same household, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses and alleviate the financial strain on mourning family members.
Already more than €6,000 has been collected within minutes of the appeal going live from nearly 100 compassionate contributors. The fundraiser's organiser, Shannon Brazil, explained the family was seeking support following an "unimaginable tragedy" that had shattered their world.
Fundraiser launched to support grieving family
In a devastating message alongside the appeal, she wrote: "With the heaviest of hearts, we are reaching out to ask for help following an unimaginable tragedy that has devastated our family.
"On Tuesday, October 13, our beloved Phillip and Kim English, along with their two beautiful children, Callum and Jayden, both under the age of 10, tragically lost their lives in a house fire. There are no words to describe the heartbreak of losing four precious lives in such devastating circumstances."
The family now confronts the agonising duty of organising four funerals while desperately praying the two surviving children will pull through. "Tragically, two other siblings are also currently in hospital in critical condition," Ms Brazil wrote. "Our family is enduring an incredibly difficult time, holding on to hope for those still fighting while trying to process the devastating loss of our loved ones."
She revealed that all funds collected would go straight to the children's grandfather, Paddy, to assist with funeral costs and provide family support in the coming weeks. "We have created this GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses during this heartbreaking time," she wrote. "All money raised will go directly to Paddy, the children's grandfather, to help cover these costs and support the family through the days and weeks ahead."
Johnville FC pays tribute to young footballer
Meanwhile, Johnville FC has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Philip and Kim and their son Callum, describing them as recognisable and welcoming presences who consistently attended Callum's fixtures. In a poignant statement, the club expressed being "absolutely heartbroken and devastated" by the tragedy.
"Kim and Philip were familiar and friendly faces around our club, always there supporting Callum at his matches," the club wrote. "It is incredibly difficult to comprehend that a family we knew so well has been taken from us in such tragic circumstances."
The club also honoured Callum, who dedicated five years to its football community, starting in the academy before advancing through the youth sides from under-11 to under-14. Reflecting on the young footballer, Johnville FC said: "He was part of our U11 team that proudly won the league two seasons ago."
The club revealed Callum's teammates and coaches were shattered by the news, emphasising that the anguish of the tragedy would require considerable time to mend. The tribute also extended to the two children who are currently battling for their lives in hospital.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all the family, their relatives and friends following this unimaginable loss," the statement read. "We are also thinking of those who are still fighting for their lives in hospital, and we sincerely hope they can pull through."
Johnville FC encouraged anyone with information that could aid Gardaí in their investigation to step forward, emphasising that even seemingly insignificant details could be crucial. The club expressed that the tragedy had left the broader community mourning alongside everyone who knew and cherished the family.
"Football is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. It is about people, friendships and community," the statement read. "Today, our Johnville family and the surrounding community is hurting alongside everyone who knew and loved this family."
The club concluded: "From everyone at Johnville FC, we send our love and deepest condolences to all those affected. You will always be part of our club family."
