A GRANDMOTHER says her family are "struggling" after a devastating fire ripped through their home and killed their three "loving" dogs.

Julie Neade, aged 59, has shared her horror following the tragic blaze which gutted her Redditch home on Saturday afternoon (October 7).

A family of five lived at the Deans Close home including Mrs Neade and her disabled husband David, aged 56.

The family lost their three dogs, Husky Zak, and English Bulldogs Crystal and Bruno, in the fire. 

Mrs Neade said: "It's horrendous what we went through.

"We can replace furniture and we can replace everything eventually, but we are never going to replace the dogs.

"They're gone. That's what hurts the most".

"We were in Redditch town centre and then we got phone calls saying our house was on fire.

"Someone else rang and said 'you have got to get home.'

"Me and my husband drive around on mobility scooters.

"We drove home right into the back garden - my house was lit up like no tomorrow.

"We should think ourselves lucky that we were all out and that we are still here to talk”.

Redditch Advertiser: The aftermath of the fireThe aftermath of the fire (Image: Jodie Chambers)

Paying tribute to her beloved dogs, Mrs Neade added: "They were loyal dogs - such loving dogs.

"They were our babies and to lose them like that – it has devastated us.

"We are all struggling. It just hurts so much. It's broken my heart".

Also lost in the fire were personal items and photographs of Mrs Neade's late daughter Kellie, who died of SADS (sudden arrhythmic death syndrome) ten years ago at the age of 31.

"I can't replace the photographs - I can't get them back now," Mrs Neade added.

Fundraising appeals have been set up to support the family, which have raised over £1000.

One was set up by Mrs Neade's son Ashley, and the other appeal by family friend Jodie Chambers.

The family say they are currently "sofa surfing" and are waiting to be rehomed by the council.