Tom Hardy is raising money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire

‘As a Londoner and as a human being, it is impossible to be unaffected by the harrowing, unnecessary loss of life, injury, sorrow and the continuing desperate and disturbing situation’

Last Tuesday saw the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, with the number of people dead or missing presumed dead now rising to 79, and hundreds left homeless.

The fire broke out in the 24-storey block (believed to house between 400 and 600 people) just after midnight, trapping victims above the 14th floor.

The London community has united to help the victims since the tragedy, with countless donations and people offering themselves as volunteers to help give aid and support to those affected.

Among the Londoners are some high profile names, with countless celebrities helping out after the Grenfell Tower fire. Adele and Simon Konecki were offering support outside the tower on the night of the disaster and Rita Ora was seen volunteering, having played in the tower as a child. Lily Allen was quick to offer ‘a bed or a lift, or tea’ to anyone in need, and Jamie Oliver welcomed families affected to his Westfield restaurant for free food and support.

The most recent high profile figure to support the cause is Peaky Blinders actor Tom Hardy, who launched an emergency fundraising JustGiving page to provide support and aid for the victims of the disaster at Grenfell Tower, with the money going to the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation.

‘As a Londoner and as a human being, it is impossible to be unaffected by the harrowing, unnecessary loss of life, injury, sorrow and the continuing desperate and disturbing situation facing those that were residents of Grenfell Tower, Latimer Road West London’, Tom wrote on the JustGiving page. ‘It is impossible not to feel deep, profound shock and just stand by and not make the effort to help those who are innocent victims of a seemingly gross negligence.’

He continued: ‘It is impossible not to commend the local community for their response of coming together to support those immediately affected by this tragedy at this time, and I am asking you to please help me raise funds to assist those who are suffering and their families.’

‘My heart goes out to those who have lost their lives and their loved ones,’ he later continued. ‘My thoughts are with the innocent families who are suffering - those who have lost their homes and possessions, their friends, families, relatives, children and their lives in a disaster which could have been avoided.’

He concluded: ‘In the meantime, there are families and children in crisis that desperately need our help and support tonight, both now and ongoing. Please will you help them in any way you can. Every little helps.’