A longstanding and highly respected Loughgall mechanic’s garage has been completely decimated following a devastating fire, leaving a father and son scrambling to rebuild and “get back on their feet”.
Buckshot Hughes Garage – run by father and son Paul and Mark (Buckshot) Hughes – suffered the horrendous fire at their premises as a result of a welding incident on November 8.
The premises was “reduced to ashes” in the blaze that also consumed a treasured Toyota Twincam imported from Japan.
A GoFundMe page launched by Jordan Mullen to support the pair as they attempt to start over explained: “The damage has been heartbreaking, with the garage building, tools, machinery and equipment all lost.
“Years of hard work, dedication and investment have disappeared in a matter of moments. Not only have Mark and Paul lost their building, but they have also lost the tools and equipment they rely on every day to carry out their work.”
In respect of the Twincam, “Mark’s favourite car”, the bio said the young father-of-four had been working to lovingly restore the car with “countless hours, money and passion gone into bringing it back to life”.
The loss has been emotionally incomprehensible for the family, the fundraiser says. With Christmas looming and children to provide for, the family have been left reeling.
Appealing for any donation, no matter how big or small, they say every penny will go towards helping the duo to reinstate their beloved garage and alleviate the overwhelming financial burden.
“Let’s show Mark and Paul that they aren’t facing this alone. With the support of the community, we can help them rise from the ashes and rebuild what they’ve lost,” said Jordan.
While he admits, he’s not normally one to write a Facebook post, Mark took the opportunity on the evening of the incident to thank one and all for their incredible support.
Mark explained that as a result of the fire all customers would regrettably lose their upcoming appointments, stating, “I apologise to anyone who we’re going to let down but unfortunately this is one we can’t come back from”.
Issuing his sincere thanks, with a little light-hearted humour, Mark continued: “From me and da, thank you to everyone who crossed our door, although we might not of thought it at the time with some of your murder pictures you brought us lol you all gave da a reason to keep going and keep kicking cancer’s ass and for me… you let me provide for my family and see them growing up which I couldn’t of away driving lorries.”
Keeping their chins up, Mark said “this isn’t a pity party, dad’s good. I’ve four healthy children, there’s a lot to have gratitude for and always someone else worse off.”
The GoFundMe page has already raised more than £3,800 at the time of writing.
You can make a contribution to the fundraiser here.
