A family spurred to action in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster are overwhelmed by the support they received from the community.

When Philip and Katie Korklin, Borehamwood, turned on the news on Wednesday, June 14, to see the devastation of the tower block inferno, they felt compelled to do something.

Football agent Philip, 34 said: “We watched a man who lived in the block standing in his pyjamas, and I realised that the people from those flats have nothing but the clothes on their back.

“We have neighbours and friends who are charitable, and we thought maybe we could start a collection from our home.

“A friend got in touch with Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue within 15 minutes we had permission to use their space for the evening.”

The couple posted on Facebook community forum make the public aware of how to help the victims of the fire, and people responded with gusto.

They opened the doors at 6.30pm and by 8.30pm they had to turn people away as the hall was full of donations for the cause, with people of all faiths from the community joining forces to help those in need.

Katie, 35, asked people to sort goods before turning up, but the Korklins and a team of volunteers stayed there until midnight checking the items which needed to be sent.

A friend of theirs who had travelled from Mill Hill to drop off belongings, but when he saw how much there was to be done, he stayed for two hours to sort out shoes.

The team swiftly worked to ensure that the donations were passed the right people, including a three-year-old girl and her family who had been in comas, who the couple were put in touch with after hearing about her ordeal.

Charity marketing officer Katie, 35 said: “When I saw what had happened I was in floods of tears and we felt we had to do something.

“This shows what a kind-hearted bunch of people live here, people just wanted to help which was so lovely.

“We wanted to support a family on a personal level, and I’m happy we have been able to do that, and hopefully we will be able to keep that connection for a long time.”

Because of the influx of donations, the goods are still being sorted out, but so far the contributions have also gone to supporting other charities.

The causes that have received donations include the Peace Hospice in Watford, DENS Homeless Shelter in Hemel Hempstead, Hands on London, local business The Happy Puzzle and refreshments went to community group Kids on the Green.

As the couple have two young children, sustained support for the Grenfell Nursery Project was something they wanted to do, as the ground-floor nursery was destroyed in the disaster.

With the help of the Gilah nursery of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue and the community, they have been able to help set up a temporary nursery before they get permanent facilities.

Arts and crafts goods were also donated to Grief Encounter, a charity which supports to children suffering bereavement, who are currently supporting victims of Grenfell Tower by running a summer school.

To support Grief Encounters visit their fundraising page.