SIR, — One year ago a series of unprecedented and devastating floods swept across the country, destroying homes and livelihoods, and bringing misery to hundreds of thousands of people.
The British Red Cross immediately sprang into action and more than 900 of our staff and volunteers took part in the response.
They assisted local authorities who ran rest centres, supported the emergency services, and provided emergency goods and
bedding to those evacuated from their homes.
Once again we were overwhelmed by the generosity of the British public and the British Red Cross National Floods Appeal raised nearly £5m — money which is now helping thousands of people to take significant steps along the road to recovery.
The massive response required to the UK floods made it the British Red Cross's largest domestic emergency relief operation since the Second World War.
I am delighted that Sir Michael Pitt's review into the UK Summer floods of 2007 recognises the outstanding contribution made by the Red Cross and highlights the crucial role of the voluntary sector in responding to flooding.
To everyone who donated, and to the hundreds of British Red Cross volunteers and staff who have worked tirelessly to help those who were affected by the floods — I would like to say thank you.
Sir NICHOLAS YOUNG
Chief Executive
The British Red Cross
The full article contains 222 words and appears in Morpeth Herald newspaper.
