Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher has opened up about the ongoing challenges his family faces following a devastating fire at their farmhouse last year.
Life After the Blaze
The fire broke out in October last year while Kelvin, his wife Liz, and their four children were enjoying their first holiday away as a family of six. They received the shocking news from a neighbour, returning to find their home uninhabitable.
During a recent episode of his ITV show, Fletcher's Family Farm, the 41-year-old explained the profound impact. "We've had a lot of upheaval in our lives after a fire in the farmhouse meant we had to move into temporary rented accommodation," he told viewers in a voiceover.
Finding Positivity Amidst the Challenges
Despite the hardship, the family is focusing on positive events. In the show, Fletcher was seen preparing for the Royal Cheshire Show, an annual farming event he believes is worth the extra effort.
He excitedly told his young son they would be taking their calves to the show, a prospect that delighted the toddler. This outing represents a welcome distraction and a return to normalcy for the family.
The Power of Community Support
Kelvin also highlighted one of the hardest aspects of farm life: maintenance. He revealed that a group of volunteers from the David Lewis Centre, a charity for which he is an ambassador, provides crucial help every Thursday.
"It's not been easy for us as a family these last few months, it's been really challenging at times because of the fire," Kelvin admitted while trimming hedges. "So, to have little jobs like this to have help with, it's made a massive impact."
He previously described the incident as "heartbreaking" during an appearance on This Morning, but emphasised the family's resilience. Thankfully, no people or animals were harmed in the blaze. Fletcher confirmed that restoration work has now begun, offering a "light at the end of the tunnel" for the family.
