A tragic house fire on Boxing Day has resulted in the loss of a family in Brimscombe, near Stroud, leaving a father devastated yet grateful for the overwhelming public support. Tom Shearman, an officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary, attempted to rescue his wife, Fionnghuala Shearman, known as Nu, and their two children, seven-year-old Eve and four-year-old Ohner, but was unable to overcome the intensity of the flames. Tragically, all three family members perished in the fire, along with their dog, Hutch.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, a GoFundMe page was established to assist Tom during this difficult time. Launched on December 31, 2024, the campaign has already raised over £330,000, reflecting the community’s compassion and willingness to help.
Tom expressed his gratitude in a statement released by police on January 1, 2025. He described his family as “three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence” and urged everyone to cherish their loved ones.
“I have stared at my keypad for what seems like an eternity waiting for the words to appear,” he wrote. “I have no way to thank any of you for the unbelievable out of this world generosity that you have shown to me in the darkest of hours.”
Tom conveyed the profound anguish he feels following the loss. He noted, “My family had its very core, its very essence, ripped from it in the most violent way.” Despite the trauma, he acknowledged the support from friends and the community, emphasizing that their kindness has provided him with more than just the essentials, including companionship and compassion.
He outlined plans to honor his late wife and children’s legacies. Tom stated, “I WILL make sure my unbelievably talented, empathetic, compassionate and beautiful wife’s legacy of craft, design and making lives on,” while also emphasizing the importance of keeping Eve’s love for literature and Ohner’s compassion alive.
Tom extended his heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded to the scene, recognizing the difficulties they faced.
He encouraged others to appreciate their loved ones, quoting Paulo Coelho: “One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you want. Do it now.”
In tribute to his family, a number of floral tributes and condolence messages have been left at the site of the fire. The family has requested that any further tributes be directed to Holy Trinity Church in Minchinhampton instead of being placed at the fire location.
For those wishing to donate, contributions can be made through the GoFundMe page. The church address for memorials is Holy Trinity Church, Bell Lane, Minchinhampton, GL6 9BP.
As the community rallies together, Tom Shearman’s story serves as a poignant reminder of love, loss, and the strength of human connection in times of tragedy.
