A Co Armagh charity organisation that has helped support a little girl rescued from a house fire in Portadown, which claimed the life of her mother, has raised over £2,000 in aid of her family.
Giving Grace, a Portadown-based not-for-profit group has been raising money and appealing for essentials such as clothes in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page, set up by Karolina Nazarova, has raised over £10,000.
Alesia Nazarova died in her Church Street home in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Her 12-year-old daughter Olivia was rescued from the fire and after an initial stint in hospital, is now in the care of a relative.
Giving Grace announced on Monday that they had thus far raised £2284.11 towards the appeal for Olivia, adding that they were “blown away” by the generosity of people both in the town and further afield.
They said: “Our appeal was directed to the needs of Olivia in an emergency situation where she not only lost her mum, in such cruel circumstances, the little girl lost everything in the fire that ensued. People rallied and clothing was delivered as requested to her care givers in hospital.
“The monies raised are safely ring fenced so her life can be a little more comfortable. We are 100% committed to get these funds to Olivia to honour our donors. This will take a little bit of time, something we were unaware of as we were informed prior that we had a way after a phone conversation.”
The post added: “Giving Grace trusts that you will all understand the scenario and believe in us to get the funds to Olivia, when the situation will allow it. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
Following the tragic incident, a brother of Alesia has appeared in court charged with murdering his sister.
Kornelijus Bracas is also charged with the attempted murder of his 12-year-old niece.
The accused appeared in court on Saturday morning via video link at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court.
After the brief hearing on Saturday, the accused – who remains in custody – had his case adjourned. He is due to appear again before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 21.
