Hi everyone, my name is Lexi - I'm a college student from London, England, now doing my doctorate in Ithaca, New York. Living so far apart from Jennie - my partner  of almost nine years - and our four year-old cat Rainy has been one of the hardest things for each of us. Then the unthinkable happened, and quarantine and lockdown prevented us from seeing each other this Summer, and then the even more unthinkable happened and, last night (27-28th May), their apartment building went up in flames. This is predominantly being referred to as the "Bancroft fire" in Bethnal Green. (https://eastlondonnews.co.uk/breaking-news-fire-ravages-bethnal-green-flats/)

Jennie and Rainy are, thankfully, unharmed, but they are now effectively homeless - as of writing, Jennie has Rainy in a carry-case, her phone, and the pyjamas she was wearing when the fire started.

We don't know what will be undamaged, and even if or when Jennie will be able to get access to the flat, as the water damage from fire-hoses in the flats above mean we don't know if and when the ceiling may just collapse.

PLEASE help Jennie and Rainy get clothes, get cat food, and get some security - nowhere will accept them both, and neither of them can endure another separation. A vet is looking at Rainy tomorrow to check if he has sustained any damage from smoke inhalation, so we are anxiously preparing to foot medical costs that may emerge - we're keeping fingers very much crossed that won't be necessary!

Anything you can afford would be the biggest help right now - I know times are hard for everyone, right now - but anything you give would make a world of difference.

Please help keep the two lives most precious to me in the world safe during one of the worst times ever!