A fundraiser has been launched after a man lost both his dogs in a devastating fire that "burnt his business to the ground".

The community is rallying to raise funds to help support Nigel Marsh, from Shaw, after a fire ripped through his car wrapping and tinting garage destroying everything within it and killing both of his beloved giant schnauzers.

The blaze broke out at Nigel’s business, Empire Tinting and Signs on Manchester Road, Rochdale on Thursday, February 16 at around 1.30pm.

Nigel’s friend Edward Moore, from Ripponden, said he received a call from Nigel at around lunchtime that day.

He said: “He could barely get his words out, but I heard him say ‘the dogs are dead I’ve lost everything’.

“I jumped in the car and when I got to Nigel’s business the fire brigade was there. It was really upsetting and distressing to see.

“Not only was his business on fire but he had to watch on as his dogs died.

"He tried to go in and rescue one of his dogs, Maggie and managed to get her out, but she had already died. His other dog Reuben was too far in to reach."

The Oldham Times: Nigel's Giant Schnauzers Maggie and Reuben at his car garageNigel's Giant Schnauzers Maggie and Reuben at his car garage (Image: Edward Moore)

Six fire engines attended the scene and crews spent several hours battling the blaze.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “On Thursday, February 16, at around 1.30 pm, six fire engines and a Technical Response Unit from across Greater Manchester were called to the scene of a fire involving a single-storey commercial premises on Manchester Road, Rochdale.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and ground monitors to tackle the fire in sectors and prevent any spread, before damping down hot spots to make the area safe.

“Crews were in attendance for several hours.”

Discussing the devastating impact of the fire, Edward said: “As a single man Nigel’s whole life was based around his dogs.

“He’s had that business since 1999 and everything inside was his whole life for 20 plus years.”

The Oldham Times: Nigel Marsh and his dogs Maggie and Reuben Nigel Marsh and his dogs Maggie and Reuben (Image: Edward Moore)

A GoFundMe page, called Nigel’s Loss, has now been created which at the time of writing has already raised £4,290 of the £10,000 goal.

The page, created by another one of Nigel’s friends Jayne Pinkney, reads: “I would like to raise funds for my heartbroken friend, who had a car tinting business for at least 20 years and owned two giant schnauzer dogs which were his life, Maggie and Reuben.

“Just a few days ago, his garage set on fire and his business burnt to the ground, with both dogs perished in the fire.

“He is absolutely heartbroken, so if anyone could donate and we could get his business back on track, by replacing his tools, his family and friends would be very grateful, as he is a well-known local lad and he loved his dogs, thanks everyone in advance.”

Commenting on the fundraiser, Edward said: “The aim of the fundraiser is to help Nigel reopen and get him trading again so he has something to focus on and money coming in.”

To donate to the page, go to https://gofund.me/3c721b84