Oldham business owner Kat Bailey of Balloonsforyou Oldham is "counting her blessings" after her livelihood was nearly destroyed in a devastating fire at Middleton Storage World. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday, June 18, took days to extinguish, causing extensive damage that led to the building’s demolition. Despite the significant loss, Ms Bailey has managed to fulfil her commitments thanks to community support.
Oldham entrepreneur overcomes devastating warehouse fire
Kat Bailey, owner of Balloonsforyou Oldham, faced a significant challenge when a fire at Middleton Storage World destroyed most of her business supplies. The warehouse unit contained essential items for her balloon and decoration services, as well as T-shirt printing and leavers’ hoodies for schools. The fire, which started around 5pm on June 18, left the building so severely damaged it is now being demolished.
Key takeaways
- Kat Bailey’s business, Balloonsforyou Oldham, was severely impacted by the Middleton Storage World fire.
- The fire, which began on June 18, took days to extinguish and led to the demolition of the warehouse.
- Despite the loss, Ms Bailey has been able to fulfil her business commitments, particularly during the busy school prom season.
- Community support, including help from fellow business owners and understanding clients, has been crucial.
- Ms Bailey expressed gratitude for the support received and highlighted the greater loss for those who lost sentimental items.
A challenging time for Balloonsforyou Oldham
Ms Bailey, 51, started her balloon business six years ago and moved into the warehouse two years ago, balancing it with a full-time job and single parenthood. The fire occurred at a particularly difficult time, coinciding with the start of the school prom season, her busiest period. She initially questioned whether the incident was a sign to quit and seek a ‘proper job’.
Community rallies to support Kat Bailey
Despite the setback, Ms Bailey was determined not to let her clients down. She had four proms to cater for this week, including Saddleworth High School, Newman RC College, Middleton Technology School, and her daughter’s prom at Crompton House. Thanks to the generosity of fellow business owners and the understanding of her clients, she has been able to meet all her obligations. Kustom Props, who produce light-up numbers, worked extra hours to provide replacements. Some schools even adjusted their colour schemes to simplify things. Her 82-year-old father, Geoff Bailey, also provided invaluable assistance. Staff at Storage World and firefighters were praised for their support and efforts.
Overwhelming public support
Ms Bailey has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the community. Her business gained 600 new followers on Facebook within three days of the fire, and she received numerous messages of well wishes from strangers. She described the response as "mega" and expressed how much these gestures of solidarity meant to her. Fortunately, some leavers’ hoodies prepared for St Matthew’s and St Mary’s in High Crompton were saved as they were stored in her work van.
Counting blessings amidst loss
While the fire caused significant material loss, Ms Bailey considers herself fortunate, as her items are replaceable. Her primary concern is for other warehouse users who lost items of deep sentimental value. She stated, "I keep counting my blessings because all of my stuff it’s replaceable, but it’s the people with all the sentimental stuff in there – it’s those stories that are the hardest."
Sources:
- Oldham business owner ‘counting blessings’ after Middleton fire, The Oldham Times.
