Fundraiser launched for Chichester nurse whose house was destroyed in a fire

Su Ryan, 64, was devastated when her house in Chichester burned down in the blaze on Wednesday, April 6. 

The house is now uninhabitable. Lack of insurance and savings means Su has been left effectively homeless. 

The restoration work is estimated to cost around £200,000. 

Now Su's friends Naomi Franklin and Kelly Ryan have launched a Gofundme page to help her start again. 

Su worked as a mental health nurse at Graylingwell Psychiatric Hospital in Chichester for several decades and Naomi describes her as “selfless, caring and compassionate”.

Naomi, 32, said: “During the pandemic, although unable to work due to ill health, Su beavered away creating hundreds of home-made face masks and other PPE for colleagues throughout the NHS from her own pocket and kindness. 

“More recently, she was part of a locally organised drive to collect, assemble and send hundreds of boxes to support families fleeing the war. 

“These are just a few examples of her unwavering empathy and generosity. 

“She gives more of herself than most to anyone in need and now we'd like to be able to pay her back in kind.”

Naomi and Kelly have also asked that any tradespeople who are able to offer their time, any retailers who can provide clothes or furniture, and any suppliers who can provide house materials to get in touch.

Naomi added: “Su sparks joy. She is full of life. 

“Those of us lucky enough to call her our family or friend, or who have been on the receiving end of her wonderful care, and even those who have not met Su but have been affected by mental health and supported by the NHS, this is our time to show her how grateful we are, how deserving she is of our love and of her own home. And how communities can pull together to look after our own.”

To donate to Su's fundraiser visit: www.gofundme.com/f/could-you-help-a-nurse-in-need