FRIENDS and relatives of the three generations killed last month in a Cwmbran fire are appealing for help to raise the money needed to bury their loved ones.

Grandmother Kim Buckley, 46, tragically died in the house fire which also killed her daughter, Kayleigh, 17, and six-month-old granddaughter, Kimberley, in Coed Eva on September 18.

The South Wales Argus was approached by friends of the family who asked for our help to raise the money needed to bury them.

Family friend and neighbour Sandra Gough said: “This is an urgent appeal for donations to help with the cost of the funerals for the Cwmbran fire victims.

“Kim’s parents are pensioners.

Nobody is ever prepared to lose younger members of their family before themselves, let alone three generations.

“That is why no money had been set aside.”

A Cwmbran pub held a charity pool competition and quiz night to help raise the money.

The Waterloo Inn, in Oakfield, is owned by Vicky and Paul Augustus.

Mrs Augustus was a personal friend of Kim Buckley, who was a regular at the pub.

Patrons and locals can also sign a book of condolence, which Mr and Mrs Augustus plan to give to the family.

Donations can also be made to the charity bucket at the pub, which is decorated with pictures of Kim, Kayleigh and baby Kimberley.

Mrs Augustus said: “All money donated will go straight to the family.

“Wewill take the charity bucket to them ourselves.

“We’ve already had a lot of extremely generous donations.

“One lady who didn’t even knowthe family came in and put £50 in the bucket.

“All our regulars have been fantastic as well.

“We’re not going to say how much we’ve raised until we’ve told the family, but people have been so generous, although we still need to raise more.”

Donations to The Three Special Ks

TO MAKE it easy to donate, relatives have set up a bank account called ‘The Three Special Ks’.

To make a donation, go to any branch of NatWest and ask to make the donation to The Three Special Ks’ fund.

Alternatively, you can send cheques addressed to The Three Special Ks to The Waterloo Inn, Oakfield, Cwmbran, NP44 7HD.

COMMENT: Community at its best

A LOT is said about the demise of community spirit nowadays.

But every week we still hear about neighbours, friends and colleagues who go out of their way to help others less fortunate.

Today’s front page story about the people of Cwmbran rallying to raise funds to help bury the Buckley family who died in a horrific fire last month is a perfect example.

The community, co-ordinated through the local pub, is putting its collective hand in its pocket to give three generations of a family the funeral service they deserve.

Friends set up the fund when it was clear relatives of Kim, Kayleigh and baby Kimberley were going to struggle with the costs.

The Three Special Ks’ fund has already had a number of generous donations, proving that this community really does look after its own.

Cwmbran is not alone in its compassion. This week we reported on the people of Bettws, who clubbed together to help pay for the funeral of father of three Luke Osmond, who died suddenly aged just 29.

And we are seeing a remarkable level of community support in Machynlleth, where the entire town came together in the search for April Jones last week.

So when you hear about our selfish society or the death of community consider these stories as evidence all is not lost. It is just a shame it has taken terrible tragedy to show the very best in people.