The local community has thrown its support behind the pregnant victim of an arson attack on her Brookmans Park stables.
Andrea Clarkson’s Mymwood Paddocks in Kentish Lane was completely destroyed a few weeks ago – causing £14k worth of damage – just months after extensive renovation work had been completed.
The attack left the mother-of-one, who is about to go on maternity leave, “absolutely sickened”.
However, a fundraising page set up by friends garnered over £1,000 in just two days, with a trader also volunteering to help rebuild it if the materials are available.
Liz Winter, who has known Andrea for nearly 30 years, said: “I know how hard she’s worked to finally afford those stables and how much her horses mean to her.
“It truly disgusts me that someone could do something so destructive and mindless.”
She added that Andrea is “an emotional wreck” and worried about her horses, which have been forced to stay out in the field and deal with the warm weather.
Following the attack, Liz offered to help Andrea and started leaflet dropping locally in a bid to raise awareness and rally local support.
Another close friend, Claire Dawson, also set up the fundraising page.
Andrea said she was “overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness”, adding: “There are donations from close friends to people I haven’t seen for a long while to complete strangers.
“I felt so helpless after this happened but now there is some hope we can get it sorted out.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who has offered support or donated.”
The attack is being treated as arson by police and happened at around 10pm on Thursday, July 12.
Andrea said two teenagers or young men were seen climbing over a nearby gate, and police later said a group of youths were seen running away shortly beforehand.
Three fire crews from Potters Bar, WGC and Hatfield rushed to tackle the blaze and extinguished it by 11.13pm.
Anyone with information can contact police via non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/17092/18.
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/b484k-horse-stables-destroyed
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