Fundraiser for families of Bicester firefighters who were killed in aerodrome inferno reaches £7k
Thousands of pounds have been raised for the family of two firefighters killed in an aerodrome inferno.
Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died while tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire on Thursday evening.
The tragedy also claimed the life of 57-year-old father-of-two, David Chester, who worked at the site.
Tributes have since poured in for the trio with acts of remembrance up and down the country being combined with heartfelt messages.
It comes as the father of Ms Logan previously thanked wellwishers for their kind words about his 'real life super hero' daughter.
Both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade.
Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are still in hospital on Saturday, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said.
Fresh pictures have now been released by Bicester Rugby Union Football Club showing Ms Logan and Mr Sadler in action and posing in team photographs.
The duo had both been members of BRUFC for many years and the club has organised a fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity and the families of the victims.
The fundraiser has already raised £6,775 and increased its initial £1k target to £10k.
Mr Sadler, who had been involved with the club for more than 20 years and had played senior men's rugby for over 10 years, would always bring 'his infectious smile and energy to every game', the rugby club said.
'A true clubman and rugby man, he was always willing to pull on an opposition shirt if they were short of numbers,' a statement continued.
'He just loved the game.
'After hanging up his playing boots, he started supporting the Bicester Vixens (ladies' team) as first aider.'
Ms Logan joined Bicester Vixens in November 2021, and the club said 'from her first session her determination to push herself shone'.
'She was a dedicated and driven number eight, committed to being the best player she could be for the team,' it continued.
'Jennie was so much more than her performance.
'She was a kind, gentle and thoughtful force to be reckoned with, who knew what the women's game deserved.'
Sherine Wheeler, chief executive of Fire Fighters Charity, said: 'Everyone at Fire Fighters Charity is heartbroken to learn of the deaths of two firefighters and a member of the public in the incident in Bicester.
'We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and colleagues, and to all those affected - particularly the firefighters who were injured and remain in hospital, and their loved ones.
'People who work in the fire service and their families face distinct demands on their health and wellbeing and sometimes, as we have seen in the tragic events of 15 May, they sacrifice everything to keep their communities safe.
'This is a terrible reminder of the courage and selflessness that firefighters show every day in the line of duty.
'We stand in solidarity with our fire family at this very challenging time.
'We are here for our colleagues in Oxfordshire and across the fire and rescue community and stand ready to offer our care and support in any way we can, now and in the weeks ahead.'
A total of ten fire crews attended the scene on Thursday night, along with police and ambulance services.
The site is home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering.
Smoke could be witnessed billowing from the fire across the town and as far as north Oxford - with residents reporting sounds of explosions, burning smells and ash raining down on them.
A gold plaque has been installed at the entrance to the site and members of the public have been leaving flowers and tributes at the scene.
A close friend of Ms Logan - who qualified as a firefighter in 2023 - posted: 'I hoped it wasn't true, I begged it wasn't. I can dry my tears and remember you but I can never get you back.
'You were my rock and I didn't even realise how much until you were gone.
'Who will I call names and laugh at for being silly? Who will laugh at me and say it right back?
'I've never met anyone like you Jen, it's not fair. Life is cruel but now everyone can be proud of the hero that I saw, that I heard, that I hugged.'
Firefighter Jenny Logan pictured with her father Ian Logan
Ms Logan qualified as a firefighter in 2023 after owning a canine business
Tributes have poured in for Mr Sadler and Ms Logan after they were named last night
Paying tribute to Mr Sadler, his cousin David wrote: 'Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming number of messages following the devastating loss of my cousin, colleague, role model and hero Martyn Sadler at the fire in Bicester last night.'
A friend added: 'Totally gutted and speechless, with the loss of a good friend and colleague who I had the pleasure and privilege to work with for RBFRS and LFB.
'RIP Martyn Sadler always smiling.'
Bicester Motion said it considered Mr Chester 'part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all'.
He had set up a family-run fencing and groundworks company, Chester and Sons, more than a decade ago.
The 57-year-old carried out work for English Heritage and Mr Chester had more than 40 years' experience in the industry, according to the company website.
Bicester Motion said: 'Whenever you had a question, you would 'just ask Dave', not just him but his whole family as they all cared about this place just as much as we do.
'Our whole community used to say that 'Dave always had our back.' Yesterday, he was doing just that - the epitome of his selfless spirit.'
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