UPDATE: |Tragic last act of ‘great dad’ in pub not knowing he would never return News

Lee and Esme Baker died following a fire at a caravan site in Lincolnshire

A Nottingham pub owner has recounted the heart-wrenching moment a “great father” unknowingly gave his final hugs as he left the establishment, not realising it would be for the last time.

Lee and Esme Baker were staying at a caravan in Golden Beach Holiday Park when tragedy struck with a fire breaking out just before 4am on Saturday, April 5.

Despite the swift response from emergency services, Lincolnshire Police confirmed the devastating news that 48-year-old Lee and his daughter Esme, aged ten, had perished in the blaze.

In their memory, two local pubs, The Sandancer and Buddies Rooftop Family Showbar and Grill House, which share management under co-owners Paige and David Richmond, have initiated a fundraiser, reports Lincolnshire Live.

Paige said: “Lee was a regular and Esme was a regular customer of ours so we set it up in their names.

“It was myself, my husband and my brother who were actually first on site when the fire was alight as we only live one caravan away from him.

“We were actually just watching the CCTV back in the pub from the night it happened, and Esme playing with friends and Lee with all his friends.

“As he was leaving the pub he was giving all his friends a cuddle and I said it is so sad because it feels like he is cuddling them goodbye, but at this point he doesn’t actually realise that. It’s just a horribly sad situation.”

Paige reflected on the pair’s bond, saying: “They were just happy people. Lee seemed like a great father to Esme, constantly giving her whatever she wanted, if she wanted to go play in the arcade all day she did. She made great friends with all the other children that were playing in the pub.”.

As support continues to pour in, the business that initially hoped to raise £1,000 for the bereaved family is now close to hitting £6,000. Paige added: “The more we raise the better send-off she can give her daughter and Lee.

“We kept Sandancer closed on Saturday after the event, so then we promoted that we were putting a collection pot together at Buddies as a lot of people in the area know Lee from being in the pub with him.”

Through the collection efforts, approximately £960 was raised, while the Go Fund Me page has amassed over £4,800.

Commenting on the generosity shown, she added: “It’s an incredible amount for the family.”

Paige, alongside her husband, is coordinating with the family to plan a fundraising evening at the pub aimed at further boosting the funds.

Details are still to be finalised, but the event is anticipated to take place promptly.