3 hours ago
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A police officer whose wife and two children died in a fire on Boxing Day morning has paid tribute to “three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence” and asked for everyone to tell those close to them that they are loved.
Tom Shearman, a serving Gloucestershire officer, said he was “humbled beyond comprehension” by the response of his local community and the general public, who have so far donated more than £300,000 to support him.
Shearman’s wife, Fionnghuala, known as Nu, and their children Eve, seven, and Ohner, four, were killed in the blaze at their cottage in Brimscombe, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of Boxing Day. The family dog, Hutch, also died.
Shearman smashed his way out of the stone cottage in the Cotswolds and tried to break into his children’s bedroom from the outside to rescue them but was beaten back by the flames.
He said: “I have stared at my keypad for what seems like an eternity waiting for the words to appear. I have no way to thank any of you for the unbelievable out-of-this-world generosity that you have shown to me in the darkest of hours.
“My life, the lives of my loved ones, my friends and the whole community changed on Boxing Day. Most importantly, and tragically, three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us.
“I cannot begin to describe the anguish and trauma of the events of Boxing Day 2025. My family had its very core, its very essence, ripped from it in the most violent way.
“While nothing can ever undo what has happened, nor can it ever make sense of the suffering, I am genuinely humbled beyond comprehension at what this [GoFundMe] page has and is doing.
“My family and friends have rallied around and provided me with more than the bare essentials. I have a roof (and many offers) over my head, clothes on my back, food – most importantly company and compassion. I will heal.
“I have already started the ball rolling on a plan that came to me just as I was falling past the precipice of the abyss. I WILL make sure my unbelievably talented, empathetic, compassionate and beautiful wife’s legacy of craft, design and making lives on.”
Nu Shearman ran a bespoke handbag manufacturer, making fashion accessories from leather and canvas.
Shearman continued: “As will I ensure that my bright spark Eve’s legacy of enjoyment from books and writing be carried on. Along with my incredible son’s sheer compassion and desire to help people.
“I thank each and every one of you for your donations. I shall forever be in your debt and you will now forever be in my thoughts and prayers, hopefully I can repay in some way.
“Please all take every opportunity to hug your loved ones, tell them you love them. Because, as Paulo Coelho said, one day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you want. Do it now.”
He concluded: “My heartfelt thanks to the emergency services whom tried everything to save my wonderful family. I hope they are all being looked after by their colleagues and friends. Boxing Day was horrific for all involved. Now go light up the darkest corners and the black sky. In memory of Nu. Eve. Ohner. Hutch.”
