Man dies in Gillitts fire, help elderly aunt restore family home
After the incident, the 79-year-old has been in and out of hospital as her health has deteriorated.
AN elderly GILLITTS resident has made frequent hospital visits following a devastating fire which claimed the life of her nephew on 1 September.
Molly Reddy and her nephew, Ravi were very close and had a mother and son relationship.
“I have been looking after Ravi since his mom passed away 20 years ago. He was like a son to me,” said Molly.
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When Molly is not in hospital due to ill-health, she stays with relatives.
She told the Highway Mail the fire was started by an electrical fault.
“This house is very old and is one of the few houses that first had electricity in this area.
“I was visiting a neighbour when the incident happened. Firefighters responded very quickly but Ravi could not escape as the fire broke out in front of his bedroom door. Everyone tried to break the door but failed because of the security gates,” explained Molly.
The 79-year-old said her health has deteriorated.
“I am suffering from depression, have been admitted for heart disease and had water in my lungs. This incident really caught me off guard.”
It has been almost two months since the incident happened but Molly said it is still playing in her mind.
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The fire destroyed the roof, a bedroom, a sitting room and the furniture in those rooms.
The fragile Molly said this is the only home she knows as she has been living there for 60 years.
“I really need someone who can assist with building material especially the roof as it was badly burnt. I am not asking for money but just building material,” she said.
She said it will be hard to stay there without Ravi but she honestly believes that he would have loved for her to restore their home and continue living there.
“He was such a loving person, so giving and smart.”
Anyone who wishes to help must contact Pastor Joseph Chengiah on 082 312 1816.
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