THE family of a young man who was badly burnt in a fire at his home have thanked the community who have rallied round to help.

Stephen Everett, 21, is still in intensive care at Broomfield Hospital, in Chelmsford, after the accident in West Road, Shoebury, on Sunday, April 1.

The house was heavily smoke-logged and water-damaged, leaving the living room and a bedroom uninhabitable.

On Saturday, six family friends and Stephen’s brother Mike Everett, his stepfather Terry Young, who helped to rescue him from the fire, and his grandfather Norman Marriage were among those who donned overalls to give the house a makeover.

Mr Everett, 22, of Rylands Avenue, Southend, said: “The fire happened in our ten-year-old brother Owen’s bedroom and he is quite scared of what happened, so we are doing that up.

“The bedrooms took quite a lot of water and caused a lot of damage to the ceiling and the living room below.

“Everyone has been amazing. Local businesses have donated carpets and flooring, plaster and a new bed for Owen.

“The family would like to personally thank the individuals who have co-ordinated the event, Lisa and Rob Lilley, two of the family’s closest friends, who also assisted Terry in saving Stevie’s life. Without them, none of this would be happening.”

Stephen, has Worster drought syndrome which prevents parts of his body receiving signals from his brain and prevents him from speaking.

Though he is still in intensive care, he is progressing and the family hope he will soon be moved on to a rehabilitation ward.

Mr Everett said: “It was all terrifying for him and it has been an ordeal. He is getting better but he has a long way to go.”

After the fire, hundreds of touching messages were left on his Facebook page from friends and family.

A quiz night at the Southend Supporters Club raised £500 for Broomfield Hospital and a further £1,000 towards Stephen’s recovery.

This has enabled the family to buy him an iPad, an iPod and a CD player to help keep him occupied in hospital.

There will also a barn dance at Runnymede Hall in Benfleet on Saturday, May 18. All are welcome to attend the fundraiser which will be held from 7.30pm to 11pm.

For tickets costing £5 for adults and £3 for children, call Lisa on 07988 486073 or Rob on 07861 416362.