Firefighters who battled the Grenfell Tower fire have sent heartfelt messages of thanks to generous donors who offered them free holidays in the wake of the disaster.
Hundreds of staff from London Fire Brigade worked for days to extinguish the flames which ripped through the 24-storey tower block killing an estimated 80 people.
Following the disaster kind offers of free day trips and holidays for fire crews and survivors of the blaze flooded in.
Facebook group Grenfell Tower holidays appeal attracted support from almost 2,000 people while campaign Cornwall Hugs Grenfell saw 20 crew and families flock to the seaside in a bid to escape the horrors.
A further nine families will enjoy a break later in August.
One firefighter, who enjoyed a break on the south coast, said crew members were “grateful and touched” by the offers.
Grenfell Tower Firefighters - In pictures
He said: “I cannot express how grateful and touched the LFB fire fighters who attended the fire are to be given the generous offer of accommodation to allow us to take a break with our families at this stressful time.
“It is very much appreciated. Thank you for doing this.”
The wife of another firefighter who supported her husband through the trauma after the blaze said it was the “first time he had felt appreciated in his 17-year career”.
Inside Grenfell Tower
She said: “This just shows there is still kindness and generosity in this world and my husband has actually felt appreciated for the first time in his 17-year career which has made him able to deal with what he saw much easily.”
The wife of another colleague added: “With all of the sounds and the smells, unless you experience it personally, you really cannot comprehend the terrible effect it has on everyone present.
“In the aftermath, in the midst of all the devastation and grief and pain, CornwallHugsGrenfell has said to the people suffering ‘we see your pain and hurt, we will look after you’.
“It's just amazing and we have been so touched.”
Vile online trolls launched a tirade of abuse at victims after an offer of holidays for survivors of the tragedy were publicised.
But survivors have spoken out about the benefit of the scheme.
One mother, who asked not to be named, said: “(It’s so important that) we can go away and not be in the locality of Grenfell tower. A different setting might allow my daughter to not have any sleep terrors at night.”
Another said: “I would like the kids to have a holiday to help them forget what happened to us even for a short time before they go back to school.”
MORE ABOUT