Update on GoFundMe launched for 'devastated' family of Blackpool man, 19, who died in Redcar Road fire

A GoFundMe appeal launched to support the family of a 19-year-old Blackpool man who died in a tragic house fire has surpassed £12,000.

Joey Gregory sadly died on Thursday July 9 in Wythenshawe Hospital, nine days after a terrible fire in Redcar Road, Blackpool which authorities believe was caused by an e-bike. The blaze also claimed the life of 13-year-old Coby Keogh.

In the days after the fire, a GoFundMe appeal was launched, with a statement on the page reading: “On what should have been an ordinary day, 19-year-old Joey’s life changed forever. Joey was caught in a catastrophic house fire and suffered life-threatening burns.”

It goes on to describe how Joey underwent emergency treatment before being placed in a medically-induced coma as professionals did everything they could to save his life. An update following Joey’s death read: “Joey gained his wings on 09.07.2026 at 20.26. He fought hard but was too good for this earth.

“He has gone on to answer other families prayers by being an organ donor. A true hero. Thank you for all the well wishes, support and outpouring of love. Rest in paradise beautiful boy!”

According to the appeal, the GoFundMe donations will be used to ease the family’s financial burden incurred whilst Joey was in hospital in Greater Manchester, with a note saying: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping Joey and his family through the hardest time of their lives.”

Since Joey’s death, his mother Sally has spoken exclusively to the Gazette, describing the family as ‘devastated’ and calling the past nine days ‘hell’. Sally Gregory went on to add that Joey’s loved ones are ‘not angry’ after his untimely passing, but are instead are ‘surrounded by love’, expressing her gratitude for the fact that they were all able to say goodbye before he died.

“We are absolutely devastated, it has been a hell of a nine days,” said Sally. “But we had a chance to say goodbye to him and that means everything. Not everyone gets the chance to do that and we are not angry, we are surrounded by love. He was hilarious, witty, articulate and a very bright lad, he was funny and daft.”

Investigation ongoing

The fire also tragically claimed the life of 13-year-old Coby Keogh on July 5. His family launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for the family and to ‘help Coby have the best send off’.

In a statement, Blackpool Police said: “Following a report of a fire within a property on Redcar Road, a 19-year-old man has sadly died. Our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones at this devastating time.

“The man’s family are being supported by specially trained officers, and a file will be prepared for the coroner in due course. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing between police and the fire and rescue service and there is no third-party involvement.

“At this time, we believe the fire was started by an e-bike.”

To donate, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/come-on-joey