08/02/2025
Reading through social media comments from last night on the Lets Talk Sleaford page, we are devastated—especially at a time when we thought things couldn’t feel much worse. We shouldn’t have to “set the record straight,” but here are a few facts:
• Yes, we have insurance.
• No, we had no knowledge of the fire before it happened.
• No, we never asked or wanted to ask for donations.
We want to express our deep sympathy for Annie Martin, a kind-hearted lady we don’t even know, who set up the GoFundMe in an effort to help. Despite initially telling her we didn’t want it, she acted out of kindness, and we truly feel for her in all of this. Annie, we are grateful for your generosity—thank you.
We have messaged Annie to ask her to close the GoFundMe and donate any funds raised to the Fire Service who worked tirelessly through the night to put the fire out. If anyone who donated has concerns because this isn’t where they originally intended their money to go, please come to us directly—we will find a way to personally refund you.
We also want to take a moment to thank the businesses and individuals who have privately reached out to offer services, help, or even just words of support. We will accept your help—it means more than ever right now. We just hope that even this isn’t seen as a negative thing.
There are a lot of rumours flying around. Please don’t believe everything you hear. Investigations are ongoing, and if we haven’t been given answers yet, we don’t know how others think they have them.
We don’t know what happened to the idea of “Be Kind,” but while Sleaford may not be our native town, after 16 years of working hard here every single day, we called this our home. And right now, we are upset beyond words.
Thank you to those who do continue to support us. 💙
— Taner & Ozkan
