Loughgall garage owners Buckshot Hughes face 'enormous challenge' after devastating fire

ORGANISERS of a fundraising campaign launched in the wake of the devastating fire at Buckshot Hughes Garage have described the scale of the loss suffered by Paul and Mark Hughes as "heartbreaking".

The father-and-son business, which has built a strong reputation throughout the Loughgall area and beyond, was extensively damaged in a blaze that destroyed the garage building along with tools, machinery and equipment essential to the day-to-day running of the business.

A GoFundMe page set up to support the pair said: "What was once their workplace, livelihood and passion has been reduced to ashes following a fire caused by welding."

Describing the aftermath, organisers added: "The damage has been heartbreaking, with the garage building, tools, machinery and equipment all lost. Years of hard work, dedication and investment have disappeared in a matter of moments."

The fundraiser states that the losses extend far beyond the building itself, with Paul and Mark also losing the equipment they depended on to carry out repairs and maintain their business. Organisers said the garage represented years of commitment and sacrifice and held a special place within the local community.

Highlighting the impact the fire has had on the family, the appeal states: "For anyone who knows Mark and Paul, you'll know how much the garage means to them. It's more than just a workplace; it's something they've worked incredibly hard to build, and seeing it destroyed is something nobody should have to face."

Further sadness came with the loss of a vehicle that held particular sentimental value. According to the fundraiser, Mark's prized Toyota Twincam, which had been imported from Japan and painstakingly restored over a number of years, was also destroyed in the blaze.

Organisers said: "This wasn't just another car. It was Mark's favourite car, a Toyota Twincam one he had specially imported from Japan and had been lovingly restoring. Countless hours, money and passion had gone into bringing it back to life."

They added: "To see it lost in the same devastating fire makes this tragedy even harder to comprehend."

As they come to terms with the destruction caused by the blaze, Paul and Mark now face the daunting task of rebuilding both the garage and the business they have spent years developing. The fundraiser notes that replacing the specialist tools, equipment and machinery needed to get back to work will represent a significant financial challenge.

Explaining the purpose of the appeal, organisers said: "Now they are faced with the enormous challenge of starting again, rebuilding the garage and replacing the equipment needed to get back on their feet. It's a huge financial burden, and they desperately need a helping hand."

Community members, customers and local businesses are being encouraged to support the fundraising effort. The appeal adds: "No donation is too small. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will go directly towards helping Mark and Paul rebuild their garage, replace essential tools and equipment, and get back to doing what they love."

Those behind the campaign have also urged people unable to donate to share the fundraiser online, saying community support will play an important role in helping the pair recover from the devastating loss.