THE family of a Greenock senior citizen who lost everything in a fire are fundraising in a bid to get her back home.

Bridie Groenewald's house in Banff Road went up in flames on January 3 in a blaze which caused extensive damage to the property.

Bridie, her son Bernie, granddaughter and great grandchildren managed to get out of the property unharmed and now Bridie is currently staying in Larkfield View nursing home.

Her granddaughter Michelle Docherty, said: “Nana is currently being looked after in Larkfield View nursing home.

"They have been outstanding in making her comfortable and helping her through this.

“Everyone just wants the house that my nana has lived in for 50 years and reared her children in to be habitable again and to get nana home.”

With no home insurance in place, the family face having to fund all the repairs themselves.

Michelle said: “We are having to completely strip the house to almost empty.

"The entire house is gutted through smoke, fire, heat and water damage from the hoses.

“The windows and window frames have cracked from the heat, the rafters in the roof have been badly damaged and nana's room, which was at the opposite side of the house from the fire, is smoke and water damaged.

“We will need to redecorate and restore it and will need all household amenities from beds to furniture and white goods but it will take time.”

The family have set up a Go Fund Me page with the aim of raising £5,000.

The page has already raised more than £1,600 and the family are grateful for all the support they have been shown by the local community.

Michelle said: “We set the Go Fund Me page up because unfortunately nana's house wasn’t insured and so every piece of work that is needed to be done has to be paid for by the family.

“The costs were already up way over £2,000 and we were only a week in.

“We are totally gobsmacked by everyone’s generosity, not just from the financial perspective but also people are offering their time, skills, support and advice, you name it.

"We can’t even begin to thank these people either.

“It’s hard work and it is horrible seeing the property like that but everyone’s support has been overwhelming and the community are definitely getting us through this.

“We just want to thank people for their support and kindness during what has been a horrible time for us all, it is very much appreciated.”

The family are still in the process of cleaning the house up before work can be done to restore it but are hoping that with the help of the public they can get Bridie home.

To support the family visit https://www.gofundme.com/xdwtkd-fire