Winslet escapes blaze at branson's home, helps to rescue Sir Richard Branson’s 90-year-old mother
Sky News
Sir Richard Branson has thanked actress Kate Winslet for helping to rescue his 90-year-old mother from his burning Caribbean home.
The Oscar-winning star was among 20 guests who escaped the blaze, which was sparked by lightning during a tropical storm.
Sir Richard was staying at another property around 100 yards away with his wife Joan and 25-year-old son Sam when the fire took hold.
The Virgin Group boss said Sam, his nephew Jack and Winslet all rushed to the aid of other guests at the so-called Great House on Necker, one of the British Virgin Islands.
"We had a tropical storm with winds up to 90mph. A big lightning storm came around 4am and hit the house," Sir Richard said.
"Many thanks to Kate Winslet for helping to carry my 90-year-mum out of the main house to safety - she was wondering when a director was going to shout cut!"
The actress was on holiday with her boyfriend Louis Dowler, and her children Mia, aged 10, and seven-year-old Joe.
Everyone staying on the premises managed to escape uninjured.
"We'll all stay here for the time being," Sir Richard said.
"There's a lot of damage and we won't be able to stick it back together again right away."
He said his office was based in the house, which was "completely destroyed", adding: "I have lost thousands of photographs, which is very sad."
The 60-year-old purchased the entire island of Necker in the early 1980s, building an onsite eco-resort as well as his Great House in 1982.
Sir Richard said: "It's very much the Dunkirk Spirit here. We want to rebuild the house as soon as we can.
"We have a wonderful staff here and we want them to stay in work.
"There's a lot of damage but we'll create something even more special out of the ruins."
The Great House was expected to be the venue for the marriage later this year of his daughter Holly and shipbroker Freddie Andrews.
Winslet, 35, achieved international fame after her appearance opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in James Cameron's Titanic.
She the best actress Academy Award in 2009 for her role in The Reader.
Edited By GABRIELLA OSAMOR
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