THE family of a "practically homeless" retiree are appealing for help after a huge blaze ripped through her Rhyl home.

The fire destroyed the garage and middle room of 71 year old Lynn Roberts' home on Gordon Avenue on Tuesday, February 5.

A crowdfunding campaign has now been launched by son and daughter Elwyn and Harriet Roberts for their mother, a former cleaner and costume maker, who is currently living between his nearby flat and her next door neighbour's house.

Mr Roberts said: "My mum's practically homeless while we deal with the colossal heaps of burned mess left over, she's left flitting between houses. The garage is completely gone. The fire also spread to her middle room, and has burned a hole into the ceiling and melted a window.

"She can't stay in her home right now, as alongside the damage, there's no heating, electric or running water and it's cold with the smoke smell still lingering everywhere.

Caused by an electrical fault involving a washing machine, the fire required four North Wales Fire and Rescue Crews more than four hours to contain.

While no one - including her two cats - were harmed, Mrs Roberts has also lost many personal items in addition to damage to the building.

Mr Roberts added:"Thankfully my mum got out of the house along with the cats. But the worst of the heartbreaking, ashen devastation left in the wake of this tragedy is the loss of so many treasured family possessions.

"We've lost the beautiful silver line pram myself and my little sister had used when we children, to the blaze, as destroying her new computer. My mum always loved to sow and knit and all of her knitting supplies were also destroyed in the blaze.

"Unfortunately, she has no house contents or building insurance at all."

"She's putting on a brave face, but it's a massive shock to the system and it's been very hard for her to process."

As The Journal went to press, the crowdfunding campaign had raised £370 of its £1,200 goal through website GoFundMe.

Neighbours have also been active in helping the family clear rubble from the house.

Mr Roberts said: "I've set up a GoFundMe page out of desperation because I can't bear to see this devastation continue to hurt my mum. It fills me with dread to think that as a result of this she might end up in assisted living - or worse a residential home.

"She's been living alone in the house fro a number of years, and is perfectly capable of looking after herself. We just need to get some building supplies together and find someone who can do repairs so she can get back in her own home, with her own roof over her head.

"I'm loathe to ask for more after everything we've already received, our neighbours have been nothing but complete angels, but she does so much in the community and it's so important for her to get something back after everything she's lost."

To donate to the Mr Robert's campaign, click here.