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    Winslet helped rescue Branson's mother from fire

    LONDON (AP) — Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet helped rescue Richard Branson's elderly mother from a fire that destroyed his Caribbean home.

    The Virgin Group boss said in his blog that he wanted to offer "many thanks to Kate Winslet for helping to carry my 90 year (old) mum out of the main house to safety." He joked that Winslet "was wondering when a director was going to shout 'CUT!'

    In a separate statement Tuesday, Branson praised Winslet's two children, 10-year-old Mia and 7-year-old Joe, who were also staying in the house when it caught fire. He called them "two of the bravest kids I've ever come across."

    Branson said he was staying in another property around 100 yards (meters) away with his wife, Joan and son Sam, 25. He said Sam noticed the main house in flames and ran over to make sure all the guests had got out. Branson said he also jumped out of bed and ran over to help.

    "I tried to get some sympathy for the fact that I'd jumped out of bed naked and rushed to the Great House in pitch darkness and hurricane force winds and ran straight in to a cactus bush," Branson said. "The sympathy was not forthcoming for my injuries."

    Branson said the fire broke out around 4 a.m. Monday during a tropical storm with lightning and high winds. He said Tuesday that there is still smoke rising from the house.

    Branson, 60, bought the island in the early 1980s and began building the Great House in 1982. He also has developed an exclusive eco-resort on the island showcasing renewable energy technology.

    His daughter Holly, who was staying at the house along with Winslet, was due to get married there in December. Branson said the wedding would still take place on Necker Island, and said guests may camp on the beach if the house is not rebuilt in time.

    Winslet, 35, shot to international stardom with her appearance opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in James Cameron's "Titanic," and sealed her reputation with a best actress Academy Award in 2009 for "The Reader."

    Winslet's spokeswoman, Sara Keene, confirmed the actress was on the island and was unharmed. She said Winslet had no comment.

    Her two children are from marriages to directors Jim Threapleton and Sam Mendes.

     

    32 comments

    • Blade  •  9 mths ago
      you are not only intelligent and beautiful but also wonderful women ...Go Kate Winslet
    • laverdad  •  9 mths ago
      Kate winslet is just never satisfied! an oscar wasn't enough! she just has to be the center of attention everywhere!
      go kate!
    • Access Overrated  •  9 mths ago
      Oh yeah, in case you're wondering 100 yards = 91.44 meters
    • Access Overrated  •  9 mths ago
      that's #$%$ S!
    • Access Overrated  •  9 mths ago
      "100 yards (meters)"100 yards is NOT the same as 100 meters. Gotta love AP. #$%$ s!!!
    • Dyanna  •  9 mths ago
      I love Kate winslet she always has been my inspiration on life
    • Jack Rabbit  •  9 mths ago
      Kate I hope will come and carry me out of my House even if it is on fire or not...Kate is very Hot.
    • happily hippy  •  9 mths ago
      rough.
    • Upaj  •  9 mths ago
      "...guests may camp on the beach if the house is not rebuilt in time."

      It looks like a total loss. Even if they started work tomorrow, a pile of money won't get a house rebuilt by December.
      • happily hippy 9 mths ago
        they do it on extreme makeover home edition all the time.
    • Precious Tommy  •  9 mths ago
      well done Kate you are very brave KEEP IT UP.
    • Misaljo  •  9 mths ago
      Wonder if she rescued the lady from the second floor, and they went to a window and Kate was heard saying "You jump, I jump." Just kidding, people. (it had to be said) Good job Kate....
    • Ro  •  9 mths ago
      So, glad that she did not sink in the Titanic. Mr. Branson should be so grateful. God bless Kate!!!
    • Ro  •  9 mths ago
      I love Kate Winslet. She did an outstanding performance as Mildred Pierce, which I absolutely loved. Kudos and lots of kisses to being a great role model and hero for our generation. I wish her the best and may she also recieve even more great roles. She deserves it.
      Love,
      Rosie
    • Phil M.  •  9 mths ago
      Running into that cactus must have been quite a prick!
    • Random  •  9 mths ago
      Wow I have read the first 18 comments on this story and there is nothing negative. Nice that the haters and cynics are staying away. Congrats to all that no one was seriously injured.
    • Eevie  •  9 mths ago
      Nice to hear of a true hero. Well done Kate!
    • Lila jean West  •  9 mths ago
      It's nic to read all of he news on my computer!
    • David  •  9 mths ago
      Kudos to Kate!
    • Otter  •  9 mths ago
      Way to go Kate, not only intelligent, beautiful but a hero too. I knew there was a reason you were one of my favorite actress. I hope to see you soon in a new movie.
    • Chlamydia Burns  •  9 mths ago
      she was just hoping for another Oscar nomination..
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