Insurer Axa pledges €10m to rebuild fire ravaged Notre-Dame

French insurer Axa has pledged €10m to the fund to rebuild Notre-Dame de Paris after a devastating fire broke out at the cathedral on Monday 16 April. French firefighters managed to save the two large stone bell towers from collapse and many of the precious items inside the building were rescued. However, the damage to the roof and spire was extensive.

In a statement Axa said: "All employees and partners of the Axa Group in France and around the world express their sadness and solidarity in the wake of the fire that struck Notre-Dame de Paris.

"AXA, which has a longstanding tradition of philanthropic support for the safeguarding of France's cultural heritage, will contribute to the rebuilding effort of Notre-Dame de Paris, by mobilising as of now €10 million for the fundraising campaign launched by the President of the French Republic."

President Emmanuel Macron said the cathedral would be rebuilt "even more beautifully" and that the work could be finished within five years.

Axa said it would continue to work with employees, customers, partners, and French heritage stakeholders to use its expertise in favour of better prevention and risk management efforts.