Former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher has candidly discussed the profound difficulties his family endured following a devastating fire that destroyed their farmhouse, forcing them into temporary accommodation.
A Family Upheaval
The emotional toll was laid bare in a new episode of the ITV documentary series, Fletcher's Family Farm, which aired on Sunday afternoon. Fletcher admitted that his family has recently faced significant 'challenges' and a great deal of 'upheaval'.
The fire occurred in October, while the Fletchers, now a family of six, were away on their first holiday together. They received the alarming news from a neighbour, and upon returning, found their home was uninhabitable.
Finding Positives Amid the Ashes
Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Kelvin reflected on the traumatic event. "It was heartbreaking," he shared. "We got back, and we obviously weren't there, so we weren't harmed, and the animals were ok." He emphasised the family's focus on the positive, stating, "For us, we took great positives in the fact that we weren't hurt. It's just a huge inconvenience; the restorations have started, so there's light at the end of the tunnel."
Despite the stress, Kelvin is determined to maintain a sense of normality for his family. While tending to hedges on the farm, the 41-year-old revealed plans to attend the Royal Cheshire Show in several weeks, an event he believes is worth adding to their busy to-do list.
The Reality of Farm Life and Vital Support
Fletcher also opened up about the immense effort required to maintain the farm, describing the task as 'huge'. He expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers who have provided crucial assistance during this trying period.
"It's not been easy for us as a family these last few months, it's been really challenging at times because of the fire," he confessed. "So, to have little jobs like this to have help with, it's made a massive impact."
He specifically highlighted the support from a team at the David Lewis Centre, who lend their help every Thursday. Kelvin, who serves as an ambassador for the organisation, said, "As well as supporting fundraising events, they've become a big part of our lives on the farm too." This collaboration underscores one of the key themes emerging from the family's ordeal: the importance of community in overcoming adversity.
