A headteacher has paid a moving tribute to two ‘caring and creative’ children who died in a Nottinghamshire house fire which also killed their mother.
Isabella Collison, aged eight, and five-year-old Harvey Collison died following the blaze at their home on Woodhill Road, Collingham, near Newark on Saturday morning (December 15).
Their mother Justine, 33, was also killed. Their father Gavin, 34, remains in hospital with serious injuries.
Helen Richardson, headteacher at the children’s school, John Blow Primary in the village, released a statement on Monday.
“Izzy was a gentle and caring girl who will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” she said.
“She adored her younger brother Harvey, frequently asking at playtime if she and a friend could go and check if he was settling into school.
“Held in high regard by the rest of her class, Izzy was quiet and unassuming, but this did not stop her from putting her all into everything she did. She enjoyed music, dance and drama which enabled her to express her sense of fun and the creative side of her personality.
“Harvey had only recently joined our school, starting in our reception class. He was very creative, always making models in the craft corner. He was always kind and caring: only last week he made a handbag out of cardboard boxes for his mum, because she was always mislaying her phone. Harvey was a lovely, friendly child, and he will be very much missed by us all.
“It has been a privilege to know and share in Izzy and Harvey’s lives, so unexpectedly cut short and they will remain with warm fondness in our hearts forever.
“We are working with the County Council to provide specialist support to any children who need it to help them cope with their grief. Following their advice, we have also taken the difficult decision to continue with this week’s Christmas activities as the best thing for our children is to keep routines and as close to normality as possible.
“We have really appreciated the support from parents and the local community and I know that we will pull together and support each other through the grieving process over the coming months.”
Emergency services were called to the house at around 7am on Saturday. A 53-year-old woman, from the same family and also involved in the fire, was led to safety and treated for minor injuries.
Notts Police Area Chief Inspector Rich Stapleford said: “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, friends and the community of Collingham at this difficult time.”
A joint fire and police investigation is taking place to establish the cause of the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Notts Police on 101 quoting incident number 189 of December 15.
