Devastating fire left Birmingham family with only pet gerbils

The pair had been in their enclosure in the downstairs living room as the fire tore through the property.

“The [kids] have one gerbil each, and they survived.

“When we went back the next day, we thought the firemen were bringing out two dead gerbils but they weren’t, they were alive.”

The family has been staying in temporary Airbnb accommodation while they try to work out what comes next.

Finding somewhere suitable has not been straightforward. Paul has severe neuropathy and needs accommodation that meets his accessibility needs, while also being suitable for a family of six.

“We’re being passed from Airbnb to Airbnb at the moment because every house that we go for is not suitable, or for some other reason we can’t get it.

“We just need a bit of luck [but we] don’t seem to be having any at the moment.”

In the meantime, people in the community have stepped in to help.

Clothes have been donated for the family, while the children have received tablets.

“The people in the community… they [have gone] above and beyond. They went and bought them new clothes and tablets and all, because all their computers and stuff and everything was all in there.”

Paul and his family are now hoping to find a permanent home to begin rebuilding their life.