Fund-raiser launched after cook loses home in fire

A FUND-RAISING appeal has been launched for a Shaldon cook who has lost everything in a devastating house fire.

Benji, who has built a reputation for his Malaysian cooking, needed hospital treatment for smoke inhalation after the fire broke out at his ground floor flat on Friday.

Fire crews from Torquay, Dawlish and Newton Abbot were sent to the scene just after 8.30am where they found the flat was fully engulfed by fire.

They spent more than three hours and further fire crews including the aerial ladder platform before the blaze was out.

Now, long-time friend Maria Barton-Pye, who runs Luna Rosa gift and fashion shop in Dawlish, has set up a Go Fund Me page to help Benji.

In less than 24 hours, almost £1,000 of the £3,000 target had been raised.

She said: ‘Benji is obviously very shocked and deeply saddened as he has lost so many things that were very precious to him.

‘I am so very relieved that he is ok physically, it could have been a very different outcome when I saw the shocking state of his home.

‘He is a very proud and humble man but I have said he should accept all the help he is offered.

‘I am hoping to raise enough money to help my dear friend back on his feet.’

Benji is well known for his Malaysian curries and wonton noodle soup which he sells at various pop ups and most recently at the Beachwood Cafe in Dawlish.

Following the destruction of his home where he has lived for 15 years since moving to Shaldon from London, he is now staying with a friend in the village.

But he has been left with just clothes he was wearing.

All his personal belongings, furniture, clothes, paperwork and his phone were destroyed in the fire as was his car which was parked outside.

Maria added: ‘He was devastated when he saw the beautiful Buddha that he cherished was destroyed along with several many other cherished items that can never be replaced, including photos of his dear partner who he lost just two years ago who died far too young.

‘I am devastated for him as are many of his friends.

‘Benji is one of the kindest people I know, he has a heart of gold and I am so so relieved he was not sleeping in his bed when the fire started, he would have been severely burnt of even worse which doesn’t bear thinking of.’

Impeccably dressed, Benji is well known for his food, particularly in Teignmouth, Shaldon and Dawlish.

Marie explained: ‘He loves to cook, it is his passion and many people have enjoyed his culinary skills but he has also lost all his catering equipment in the fire.

‘We will build him back up but this is going to be a very bumpy road for him and I’m hoping the appeal will help ease some of the burden.’

In total, six firefighters breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, two 51mm attack jets, one thermal imaging camera, gas detector, triple extension ladder and small tools were used to extinguish the fire which is thought to have been caused by an electrical fault.

To help support Benji, to go https://gofund.me/691e2eb21