Help rebuild a local guitar shop that was destroyed by fire!

Due to a fire on 2nd July 2024 which started in another business in the building, my guitar/music shop El Toro Music and everything in it was destroyed by smoke, water and debris leaving me without a means of serving the local music community, and much worse, my sole livelihood and income.

Unfortunately, due to a shared access front door of the building, I was unable to obtain contents or fire insurance. We had only recently made the shop door secure enough to protect against theft but sadly not covered for fire damage.

As a result, I have been told I am unlikely to receive any compensation for the loss and if there is a chance, it would take years of distress and unfounded legal costs which is unimaginable.

Therefore I have little choice but to call on the good, kind hearts and generosity of others in an attempt to relocate and rebuild, to rise from the ashes and become even better than before.

El Toro Music was an award winning, growing music hub and resource centre for Chippenham and the surrounding community. The shop not only provided top quality musical instruments and accessories to the surrounding area at competitive prices, I also provided guitar setups and repair services as well as guitar, bass & vocal lessons with live performance workshops.

I had invested my entire life savings into the business which I started in 2018 selling music accessories on eBay from my home in Yatton Keynell. It was my passion, and my life as I've been a professional musician since the age of 17 and had recently begun to release my own music again. https://linktr.ee/henryraymusic

Myself and all of my wonderful customers had come a long way in creating and sustaining this dream. The core focus was incredible customer service, great products & services and taking every opportunity possible to help fundraise for many local community charities, schools and projects.

The goal now, is to secure and re-stock a small retail premises in or around Chippenham so that we can continue to serve the community even better than before.

I had over £34,000 in stock and assets that were lost in the fire, however I am looking to raise just £10K to start over again. If I can reach an average of 1500 people that can donate just £10 I would be forever grateful!

Cost breakdown:

£10,000 for the first 6 months rent on a premises.

Up to £5,000 in stock and display/POS supplies.

I thank you sincerely for your help and am extremely grateful for any and all donations received.

Yours truly,

Henry Ray Herrera

Owner/Founder