A family-run independent ski and bicycle store in Forest Hill still has no time frame for a return after being destroyed by a fire last October.
A GoFundMe page set up to support the Finch family, whose shop, Finches Emporium, was destroyed alongside the family flat, has received £35,000 in donations.
Bradley Finch, 39, who had to escape the flames with his daughter, said: “When you are in a dire place, and then you see what you mean to the people you were serving, it is really nice.
“Seeing people giving back during our time of need has been humbling; it has been super nice. The GoFundMe has been unbelievable.”
Other local businesses have offered support to the Finches, including architectural firm Stolon Studies, which is offering its services in helping to plan the rebuild pro bono.
Despite this, the family are unsure as to whether they will be able to reopen.
“Even if the insurance pays out, it is looking tough; the reality of us actually coming back is going to be very, very tough,” said Bradley.
“It was the worst feasible time for it to happen; we were very seasonal and made close to 80% of our money on ski stuff, and the fire happened right at the start of the ski season.
“We had just had half a million pounds of ski gear come in. When all your stock comes in, and then it is all destroyed, you’re left with no money.”
According to the London Fire Brigade, the fire was started accidentally in a storage area where hot works were taking place.
The fact the blaze, which required around 100 firemen to control, destroyed both the family business and the family home has been particularly difficult to deal with.
“We lost everything, really: clothes, my parents’ wedding photos, passports, birth certificates,” Bradley said.
“In this kind of situation, if something horrendous happens, like someone’s house burns down, they’ve still got a business or a place to work, so they still have an income. Or vice versa, if their business burns down, they still have a home.
“It’s kind of mad to lose both in one hit.”
Bradley has been left sofa surfing while his parents, Frank and Angela, are house-sitting for friends.
Finches Emporium was founded in 1947 by Bradley’s grandfather, while Frank, who was born on the property, transformed it into a sports shop.
The website describes Finches as the “family’s pride and joy”, and they remain determined to continue its legacy.
Angela told the BBC after the incident: “It might be smaller; it might take us years to do it. But we want there to be a Finch in Perry Vale forever.”
Now, over four months on, a return still seems a long way away.
“I’d love to give you a date,” said Bradley.
“It’s a question that plagues me, so many people stop me in the street saying they are so sorry and asking when the shop will come back.
“We have got plans, we have dominoes lined up but the insurance money is still lingering.”
Featured image credit: Bradley Finch
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