Worthing Laundrette Fire: Owner starts GoFundMe to save business

Habib Shaharty had run Washing2Go in Worthing with his wife for six years before a fire in the laundrette forced them to close.

After the fire was deemed to have been caused by “spontaneous combustion”, Habib was shocked that his insurance claim was denied leaving him thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Now, he says he is struggling to get the business back up and running again and is calling on the community for support.

Habib, 34, who lives in a flat above the laundrette with his young family, said: “We woke up coughing our lungs up and black smoke was filling the room and we ran to the other side of the road.

Habib, left, and his wife Adla, top (Image: Habib Shaharty)

“I’m hoping the community can help. A lot of people rely on our service.

“We are insured but weeks after the fire they are saying they won’t pay us out.”

Habib and his wife Adla Tadris claimed on their insurance with China Taiping Insurance following the fire on June 28 in New Broadway, Worthing.

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An investigation found that the fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of pieces of laundry left overnight and was “beyond their control”.

However, the insurance company told the couple that because the laundry was stacked up rather than left to air overnight they would not pay out.

Now, Habib has set up a GoFundMe campaign to try and raise money to support the business. He says he needs to raise £35,000 to keep the business running.

The aftermath of the fire (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

On the page, his wife Adla continued: “It was a harrowing experience, witnessing our livelihood and cherished possessions vanish before our eyes.

“The smoke-filled air and the fear for our family's safety only added to the immense weight of the situation.

“As we stood on the other side, feeling a mixture of shock, grief, and relief for our loved ones' safety, the reality of the fire's impact began to sink in. The road ahead seemed daunting, but we knew we had to find the strength to rebuild and restore what was lost.”

China Taiping were approached for comment.