Hexham businessman numb after seeing 30 years of work in flames

Geoff Wallman, owner of engineering companies Northern Skunkworks Ltd and Intelligen Energy, knew something was very wrong when he was woken up by a phone call by his landlord.

Geoff is heartbroken after his unit in Newbiggin in Hexham for the last five years has been gutted by fire.

Geoff's unit in 2019 and now after fire (Image: Geoff Wallman)

Geoff recalled: "It must of been around 3am when he called me to tell what was happening"

"My friend Emily took me to the site and when I saw the glow of the fire on the hillside, I knew I had lost everything.

"When we arrived there was a fire crew already onsite and others who arrived shortly after them, so we moved out of their way.

"It felt like a dream and I felt numb. I could not tell you where I was, who I was with or what I had with me at that time."

"There was nothing that could be rescued from the fire but there was a small sign of hope from a step that I created when I miscalculated the design of some spiral signs that once went into an office upstairs. 

"At the time we engraved 'one small step' as a joke but now it is a sign that things will get worse before getting better and seeing the nurse to talk to someone about how I feel, I know I do not have to go through with it alone.

"I’ve lost everything spanning 30 years of my life from vintage tools, equipment, project cars and silly little things I made and my neighbours who are good friends and wonderful people have lost everything too.

"We had a lot of exciting projects going on in the unit that businesses need, so we aim to get back up and running to help them out.

"It wasn't just us that was affected by the fire but many businesses who also rely on us as well"

"That is why I set up the fundraiser. I am completely bowled over that so many people have helped us and strangers who want to help us get back on our feet.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone including the fires service and those who have donated, I am very grateful and with all donations."

A Fire spokesperson said: "Northumberland fire and Rescue Service was called to a primary fire at 2.56am Saturday August 19. Six crews were in attendance, coming from Hexham, Allendale, and Prudhoe.

"We'd like to thank our colleagues at Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service and Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service for their assistance in managing this incident."

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