‘I’ve never hurt like this in my life’ – Huddersfield woman’s tribute to brother killed in house fire

The sister of a Huddersfield man who died in a house fire has paid an emotional tribute, saying he was a “one in a million” person who was caring and loving.

Joshua Pearson, 28, formerly of Huddersfield, and his partner Danielle Bamber, 24, died in a fire at their home in Peter Street, Blackpool, in the early hours of Wednesday . Danielle died at the scene, while Joshua died a short time later at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Joshua is understood to have grown up in Meltham before moving to Blackpool.

Lancashire Police said the couple lived at the address with their two children aged six years and 20 months. The six-year-old was taken to hospital after but was not seriously injured. The 20-month-old remains in critical condition in hospital.

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Joshua’s sister Jacqueline described her brother as a caring and loving man who was happy to help others. She said: “Joshua was literally one of the most caring and loving people ever.

“He would help everyone who could. Joshua was the life of every party, the star of everyone’s eyes. The poor boy went through so much as a child and even grew up with all his health issues. He made us a family. so proud! He was the nicest person anyone could meet.

“The funniest boy with amazing jokes, he never failed to make me laugh and put a smile on my face, he always came up with something funny no matter the situation. him so much forever and always until I meet him again.

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“I still can’t believe what he went through and I will never get over what he, his girlfriend Danielle and my poor grandchildren went through that night. I am praying for my grandson to make a full recovery, I can’t express how heartbroken I am.

“It hurts like hell, I have never hurt like this in my life. Joshua you were the best and never forget how much you were loved. I love you forever and you will always be a special boy.”

Codie Lee, a friend of Danielle’s, has set up a Go Fund Me page, which can be found here. More than £6,000 was raised towards funeral costs. Codie said: “Danielle and I were friends in high school – we most likely hated the duo through school at one point, being terrible teenagers together until she became a parent.

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“I met Josh through Danielle and what a pair they were, just a pair of annoyances, always up for a laugh, always getting jokes even if you didn’t want to hear them, they never failed to make you laugh.”

Cody said her heart went out to the couple’s children. She added: “I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has kindly donated from the Go Fund Me – clothes, shoes, toys, electronics, big Tesco and every small business around. Thank you – we wouldn’t have raised so much without the community. Please continue to share the Go Fund Me and give them the best referrals they deserve.”

She said any money left over would be placed in a trust fund for the couple’s two children. Last week, police and firefighters said there was no evidence the fire was deliberately started. They are working to determine the cause.