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Over £606 Million Pledged To Rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral After Devastating Fire

Over £606 Million Pledged To Rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral After Devastating Fire

Some of France's most wealthiest residents have come forward to pledge huge figures towards the historic building's repair.

Rachel Andrews

Rachel Andrews

People around the world have rallied together to pledge £606 million (€700 million) towards the rebuilding of Notre Dame in Paris after a devastating fire ripped through the cathedral.

The 856-year-old building, located on the bank of the river seine in the French capital, went up in flames on Monday afternoon, causing horrific damage throughout.

Notre Dame's spire and roof collapsed in the fire, although irreplaceable pieces of artwork, the rose windows and the iconic bell towers were saved by 400 firefighters working tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

PA Images

French president Emmanuel Macron already declared that the country would rebuild the piece of history, and now a number of people coming forward to pledge huge amounts of money towards making this happen.

Macron said: "We will rebuild Notre Dame even more beautifully and I want it to be completed in five years, we can do it.

"It is up to us to change this disaster into an opportunity to come together, having deeply reflected on what we have been and what we have to be and become better than we are.

"It is up to us to find the thread of our national project."

PA Images

According to Reuters, this figure has already hit £606 million (€700 million) less than two days after the fire gutted parts of the building.

Those donating include private businesses, local authoritie and wealthy individuals - French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, the husband of Salma Hayek and the CEO of luxury group Kering, has pledged £86 million (€100 million) to help restore the Notre Dame.

PA Images

Kering, who owns fashion houses including Gucci and Yves Saint Lauren, said it would contribute the huge figure towards "the effort necessary to completely rebuild Notre Dame" in a statement.

Another French billionaire, Bernard Arnault, the CEO of luxury brand LVMH, also pledged €200m (£172) to the reconstruction efforts, through his business.

L'Oreal will also donate the same figure and oil company Total will give £86 million (€100 million).

The city of Paris itself will donate £43 million (€50 million), and Apple says it is donating, although hasn't specified an amount.

Our hearts go out to Paris at this devastating time.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Life News, News