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Bedok North fire: Crowdfunding for woman who lost child, husband draws strong support

A flat destroyed by a fire at Block 409 Bedok North Ave 2 last month (left) and victim Jenny Tan, who is still in hospital. (PHOTOS: SCDF/Ray Of Hope)
A flat destroyed by a fire at Block 409 Bedok North Ave 2 last month (left) and victim Jenny Tan, who is still in hospital. (PHOTOS: SCDF/Ray Of Hope)

SINGAPORE — A crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for a woman who lost her husband and three-year-old daughter in the recent Bedok North fire has drawn strong public support since its launch on Friday (10 June).

Ray of Hope, a crowdfunding charity, is helping to raise funds to cover Jenny Tan’s medical and other related expenses through the campaign.

In less than a day, as at 10 pm, the campaign has raised more than $54,000, or above 50 per cent of the goal of $106,089, for the 34-year-old Malaysian.

Three residents died in the fire at Block 409 Bedok North Avenue 2 on 13 May including Jenny’s husband, Tan Soon Keong, 35, their daughter Hui En, and Aileen Chan, a 56-year-old film producer. Jenny suffered from smoke inhalation and burns and was admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

East Coast GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Tan Kiat How said in a Facebook post on Friday that since the fire, he has received many messages from Singaporeans asking how they can help those affected. “I am truly heartened by the strong support.”

Jenny was in an ICU for eight days following the fire, according to the post. She and her husband “bravely tried to shield” their daughter from the fire.

While Jenny’s condition has stabilised and she has moved to the general ward, she needs to undergo further treatment, the MP said. “She is finally conscious, but it’s observed that she’s not fully aware of and unable to respond to her surroundings yet. It will be a long and difficult road to recovery.”

The Minister of State for Communications and Information and National Development also said that he has met Jenny’s parents and siblings on several occasions. Jenny came to Singapore 11 years ago, met and married her husband here. The couple were living in Singapore, and had planned for their daughter to go to school here, according to the MP.

“The family are now worried about Jenny’s chances of recovery, and also her emotional and mental well-being when she learns about her husband and daughter. They are also worried about how they could afford to pay for Jenny’s medical bills.”

Expressing sympathy for the family’s difficult situation, the MP said he hoped the public will support the fund-raising efforts to help Jenny recover.

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