Woman of Courage award for mum whose two young children died in fire

A mother who sustained lifelong injuries jumping to safety from a fire that claimed the lives of both her young children has been honoured for her courage.

Jade Horton jumped from a second floor window during the blaze at her home in Buttercup Avenue, Eynesbury, St Neots, on 10 December, 2020.

Tragically she was unable to save her seven-year-old daughter Sienna or three-year-old son Isaac as the fire raged.

About 40 firefighters tackled the blaze and at the time, crews described how they tried to get the children out when they arrived.

Doctors told Jade she would never walk again but she defied the odds and was back on her feet within three months. Today she relies on daily medication to function.

Holistic therapies and healing played a huge important part in her healing journey – a journey which also led her to become a qualified Angelic Reiki Master and establish Merkaba Holistics.

Many are already familiar with reiki, a type of energy healing and complementary therapy. Angelic Reiki is a deeply spiritual practice designed to address a person’s needs physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Jade was one of 32 winners at the seventh Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire. She was awarded the Woman of Courage award.

“Everyone who knows me or knows of my story will understand how much this award means to me, I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment, having this recognition nationally is just amazing,” she said. “In honour of my children, Sienna and Isaac, I dedicate this award to both of them.”

The ceremony was hosted by Kirsty Leahy and Karen Jones. The evening’s entertainment also included performances by Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School.

An investigation into the fire that claimed the lives of Sienna and Isaac found the most probable cause was an electrical fault in Isaac’s first-floor bedroom.

An inquest heard from fire investigators that the frame of a TV screen was found in the debris at the seat of the fire.

The inquest heard that the TV at the foot of the Isaac’s bed was, on the balance of probabilities, what started the blaze.

A chimney effect enabled the fire to spread rapidly up the staircase into Sienna’s bedroom.

Law firm JF Law said the TV manufacturer had agreed a six-figure settlement.