A FIRE which started in a garden shed destroyed a lean-to conservatory described as a ‘sanctuary’ for a man with mental difficulties.

Ethel Mair and her partner Karl, who live in Lostock Gralam, had to have their conservatory taken down after it was deemed unsafe by Cheshire West and Chester Council following the fire.

With the structure not covered by the council’s insurance, a fundraiser is under way to raise money for a replacement.

The conservatory had become a comforting space for Karl, who had grown accustomed to spending large amounts of time there.

Brenda Mair, Ethel’s sister-in-law, said: “Ethel is a carer for Karl, who suffers from severe mental illness and spends his time each day between the conservatory and sleeping due to his extreme amount of medication he needs along with finding it difficult to integrate with the rest of the family.

“This space is his sanctuary and since the fire is confused and bewildered which is affecting his condition tremendously.

“Unfortunately, due to the property being owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council, the council’s buildings insurance does not cover the conservatory which was added years earlier when Karl was in good health.

“Ethel and Karl also have a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren who live with them – one of the grandchildren has special needs and currently attends Hebden Green Special School.

“He too uses this space for quiet time when the noises in the house with the other members get too much for him to cope with.

“My sister-in-law is absolutely devastated at what has happened and due to their financial circumstances can see no way forward to be able to cover the cost of replacement.”

Firefighters were called to the property, in Wilson Crescent, at 4.15pm on Monday, June 11.

Crews needed breathing apparatus to tackle the fire, which had already spread to the conservatory.

The cause of the blaze is being investigated.

n The fundraising page is online at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brenda-mair