The British public has shown an overwhelming outpouring of support for a Gloucestershire police officer who tragically lost his entire family in a devastating house fire on Boxing Day. A GoFundMe appeal for PC Tom Shearman has now raised more than £257,000, far exceeding its original target.
A Community's Heartbreaking Loss
Emergency services were called to a mid-terrace Cotswold stone cottage on Brimscombe Hill, near Stroud, at approximately 3am on 26 December 2025. The fire claimed the lives of Fionnghuala Shearman, known affectionately as Nu, her seven-year-old daughter Eve, and her four-year-old son Ohner. The family dog also perished in the blaze.
Tom Shearman, an officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary, was awoken by the fire alongside his wife. The couple, who ran a bespoke handbag business, attempted to reach their children who were in a rear bedroom. PC Shearman managed to escape by smashing through a bathroom window but was beaten back by the severity of the flames and could not re-enter the property to rescue his family.
An Extraordinary Fundraising Response
In the wake of the tragedy, an online fundraising page was established to support the bereaved father. The response has been staggering. By the morning of Wednesday 31 December, more than 12,400 people had donated, pushing the total past £257,000. The goal has since been increased to £350,000 after the initial target of £110,000 was quickly surpassed.
PC Shearman was taken to hospital following the fire but has since been discharged. The bodies of his two children and the family pet were recovered later, while his wife's body was found earlier. Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth confirmed the recoveries, highlighting the profound impact on the force and local community.
Investigation and Aftermath
Gloucestershire Police have stated that the fire is not being treated as suspicious. Initial investigations indicate the blaze started on the ground floor of the property, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The fire caused extensive damage, destroying the roof, ceilings, and stairs, and inflicting significant internal damage to the family home.
This tragic Boxing Day fire in Stroud has united a community in grief and solidarity, with the substantial funds raised offering a tangible measure of support for a public servant facing an unimaginable loss.
