Tributes to Exeter house fire victims

Two boys now out of hospital

The families of those who died in a house fire in Exeter in February have paid tribute to their loved ones.

The family members who tragically lost their lives in the fire on Sunday 21 February were Kaylie Rudge, 28, and Daniel Rudge, 29, and their four-year-old daughter, Lillie-Rose Rudge. Kaylie’s seven-year-old daughter from a previous relationship also died.

A nine-year-old boy and a four-year-old boy – Lillie-Rose’s twin brother – have now been discharged from Bristol Children’s Hospital.

In a statement, Daniel’s father and step-mother, said: “Daniel and Kaylie were loving parents and they, and the girls, will be sorely missed.”

The family clarified that all funds raised through a community fundraising campaign is in the care of a solicitor and will go towards funeral costs. Any money remaining will be put into a trust fund to support the surviving children in the future. 

“We are so grateful to the emergency services who attended,” they added: “Special thanks to Demons MC and Satan’s Slaves MC who set up the fundraising campaign for Dan. 

“We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity and kindness,” they added. “We would like to thank everyone for their support and donations.”

In a statement, Kaylie’s mum, said: “I am grateful for everyone’s concerns and commiserations and it is very touching that the community has left so many flowers and messages of love at the house.”

Kaylie’s mum has expressed thanks to all those who donated to Kaylie’s fundraising campaign. 

She added: “I still can’t believe that they’re all gone. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the public’s donations and any money remaining after funeral costs will be donated to the Bristol Hospital Children’s Unit.”