Adulthood actor Noel Clarke feared his mum was in Grenfell Tower fire

Actor and director Noel Clarke has opened up about his heartache following yesterday’s tragic Grenfell Tower fire, admitting that he feared for his mother’s life when he first heard the news.

At least 17 people have died and many others are in serious condition in hospital after the apartment block in North Kensington caught fire in the early hours of yesterday [14 June] morning.

Those who managed to escape the blaze have lost their homes and all of their possessions, and are currently being supported by donations from members of the public.

Noel grew up in a council estate on Ladbroke Grove and still has a number of friends and relatives living in the area – including his mum who lives just “50 yards” from the 27-storey Grenfell Tower.

Speaking to the Mail Online, he explained: “My relatives live here, I grew up here, my films are set here, my friends live here, one of my friend’s nieces is still missing.”

The star went on to add that he was doing all he could to help the residents, sharing: “I was on my way into town and I knew I had to come and help so I have been here carrying water inside the church.

“I’ve got clothes being delivered by a couple of labels and Pepsi are going to be sending drinks.

“The community support has been great. London has been affected by a lot in the past few weeks and the way people are coming together is amazing.”

Noel also launched an appeal to find his friend’s 13-year old niece, Jessica Urbano Ramiez.

Sharing a photo of Jessica on Twitter, he wrote: “Friends niece Jessica Urbano Ramiez is missing. help search hospitals or say if seen her: Contact 07919410974 or @MakeupAna #GrenfellTower”, her aunt Ana Ospina said that Jessica was last seen being put into an ambulance and hasn’t been heard from since.

As well as sourcing supplies and helping victims who have lost loved ones, Noel has been helping make beds in local community centres as well as organising donations and publicly appealing for items that are desperately needed.

The actor isn’t the only celebrity to be helping out in the wake of yesterday’s tragedy, with singer Adele visiting victims of the fire yesterday offering comfort and support and Rita Ora giving up her time to organise donations and provide for those who have lost everything.

Previously Lily Allen offered her nearby home for “beds and tea” and Jamie Oliver offered free food, refuge and “love” at his nearby Jamie’s Italian restaurant, whilst Jeremy Clarkson revealed that he’d donated his entire wardrobe to victims and urged his followers to do the same.

The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, but residents of the block had been publicly telling the council that Grenfell Tower is “unsafe” for years.

Read more:

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