'Lovely, gentle' Malcolm, 85, spends days crying after fire kills beloved poodles

An 85-year-old Horsforth dog judge has been left heartbroken after a fire destroyed his home and killed his beloved poodles and pet parrot

An 85-year-old championship poodle judge has lost his home, two beloved dogs and his parrot after a devastating fire ripped through his home while he nipped to the shops.

Malcolm Fozard, 85, from Horsforth, lost almost everything when an electrical fault in a freezer sparked the blaze, according to his close friend of more than 50 years, Angela Luty.

Angela has now launched a fundraiser to help Malcolm rebuild his life after the fire destroyed his portacabin home, belongings and treasured memories.

She said: "Malcolm is a very kind man who has had a hard life but has never given up. His dogs have been his love for over 60 years along with his wife who shared his passion for standard poodles."

Malcolm had popped to the shops when the fire broke out, when he returned, his home was engulfed with flames. Angela said firefighters told him his two remaining black standard poodles would have died from smoke inhalation before the flames reached them.

His African grey parrot also died in the fire, while kitchen equipment, clothes, photographs and other personal belongings were destroyed.

The tragic loss has left Malcolm struggling to come to terms with what happened, particularly the deaths of his dogs, which had been a constant in his life for years.

Angela said: "Honestly, Malcolm is not coping well, mainly losing his blessed poodles in the fire. He cries a lot and it is the last thing he thinks about before sleep, which is not coming easy, four to five hours a night at the most."

Malcolm's passion for standard poodles has been a significant part of his life. He is a long time breeder of the breed and judged standard poodles at championship level as recently as July.

Malcolm's love for the breed has spanned more than six decades, with his dogs providing companionship through some of the most difficult periods of his life. Angela said his passion for standard poodles was something he shared with his first wife, who tragically died from a brain haemorrhage aged 50.

Angela also explained that Malcolm had been living in a portacabin on the grounds of his son's house after selling his home to pay off debts following the break down of his second marriage.

Angela said the money raised would be given directly to Malcolm to help him secure new accommodation and begin rebuilding his life. Malcolm's family have also thanked those who have donated and offered support following the devastating fire.

In a Facebook post, Malcolm's daughter-in-law, Emma Fozard wrote: "Just wanted to come on to thank you all for your generosity and support for Malcolm, just can't express enough how grateful each and everyone of you are.

"Malcolm has, over the years, always been happy to help anyone and has always put dogs first. If you could find it in your heart to help him in his hour of need, it will be very much appreciated.

"I know we could never replace his beloved pets, but we are trying to raise funds to replace his belongings. Anything you could give would be greatly appreciated."

The post prompted an outpouring of sympathy, with friends and supporters sharing their sadness at Malcolm's loss and sending messages of support to the family.

Joanne Hunt wrote: "Poor Malcolm, such a lovely gentle soul. How heart-breaking for him." Nicole Newdall wrote: "We are so sorry. It's heart-breaking xx"

Zara Elizabeth Kirkham added: "So heart-breaking, hope Malcolm’s okay. Sending all my love to you all", while Amy Mandel said: "Oh my word this is horrible! Hope he is ok, well as ok as he can be lovely. I've shared for you xx"

Emma Fozard also thanked those who had rallied around the family, writing: "Thank you all so, so much. We are all so deeply touched by everyone's support and generosity."

At the time of writing, the fundraiser had raised £7,040 towards its £8,000 target. To support Malcolm and help him find new accommodation, donations can be made through Angela's fundraiser, here.

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