A FORMER RAF serviceman and his family are appealing for the community’s help after they lost everything in a house fire.

The Lees lived in Review Road, Neasden, until November 1, when the whole of their house was accidentally destroyed by a blaze.

Vincent, 86, his wife Antonia, 76, and his son Joseph, 49, were downstairs when a neighbour alerted them to smoke billowing out of an upstairs bedroom.

A holy candle had set fire to the couple’s room at 1pm, after being lit on All Soul’s Day, and the flames spread.

Unfortunately the property was not insured so the family will have to start again.

Mr Lee’s daughter, Isabelle, 47, was born in the house and has come over from Northern Ireland to help them.

She said: “Thank goodness they weren’t injured in the fire.

“I took them to the doctors and they both have chest infections from smoke inhalation.

“It’s devastating to see the house: there was a hole in the roof and the upper bedroom is burnt to a cinder.

“I have been down there and I keep finding my father looking for things he can salvage.”

The family have lived in the house since 1964 and are now in temporary accommodation in Preston Road, Wembley.

Ms Lee said: “They have been looked after by a lot of friends, who have been amazing.

“It is rubbish collection we are in need of primarily as it is expensive to do that.

“The council consider him a homeowner, but his home is completely burnt.

“They didn’t have insurance as it was just another expense they couldn’t afford.”

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Part of the roof, ground and first floors were damaged by fire.

“There was no smoke alarm fitted in the property, which would have provided vital early warning and extra time to escape.”

A spokeswoman forBrent Council said: “We have placed this couple into temporary accommodation while we review what options they have.

“We will also offer them advice about what they should do next to help get through this difficult time.”

The family are asking the RAF Benevolent Fund or the Royal British Legion for help.

Dollis Hill ward councillor Alison Hopkins (Liberal Democrats) said: “Any help from anyone in the community would be wonderful, whether it’s a tarpaulin and help to cover the roof, help with furniture later, accommodation or whatever.

“I know from experience just how this community can work together, so I’m asking for it again.”

? If you can offer the Lee family help, email cllr.alison.hopkins@brent.gov.uk.