Pigeon Racing Community Rallies After Fire Destroys Cleator Moor Lofts
The Cumbrian pigeon racing community has united in support of Cleator Moor fanciers Danny Rodgers and the Benn family after a devastating fire destroyed their pigeon lofts, killing an estimated 300 birds and leaving years of work in ruins.
The blaze broke out during the early hours of Friday 17 July, destroying the main racing lofts at the partners' allotment site off High Street. Although part of the stock loft escaped the flames, only around 40 pigeons survived, with several others later dying from smoke inhalation. Three fire engines from Whitehaven and Egremont attended the incident shortly after 4am.
In the days since the fire, members of Cleator Moor Central Homing Society and pigeon racing enthusiasts from across the country have organised a wide ranging fundraising campaign to help rebuild the lofts and replace equipment lost in the blaze. Club members say the response has been overwhelming.
Club member Brian Fitzsimmons said the local community had immediately stepped forward to help, describing the support as typical of Cleator Moor. He revealed that donations have already reached around half of the campaign's ambitious £20,000 to £25,000 fundraising target.
Among the planned fundraising initiatives are a GoFundMe campaign, a charity evening at Cleator Moor Celtic Club in September, and a young bird auction scheduled for early next year. Leading pigeon fanciers from across the UK have also pledged birds and financial contributions to assist the rebuilding effort.
Danny Rodgers has long been recognised as one of the area's most respected pigeon racing enthusiasts. Fellow club members described him as someone who regularly helped others within the sport and organised popular races that attracted competitors from across Britain. His lofts had become an informal meeting place where fanciers and local residents gathered for conversation and friendship.
The loss has been felt far beyond West Cumbria, with messages of support arriving from pigeon racing clubs throughout the UK. Organisers hope the fundraising campaign will allow Rodgers and the Benn family to rebuild their facilities and eventually return to the sport that has been such an important part of their lives.
Got a news story or tip to share? Contact our editorial team by emailing news@lakelandpost.co.uk or call us directly on 0333 090 2080.