The images of filthy brown floodwater stretching for miles, and the misery and devastation it causes, are more commonly associated with disasters overseas. In recent weeks, however, hundreds of thousands of us here at home have been victims of the unprecedented flooding which has hit large swathes of England. In response, scores of British Red Cross volunteers have been working tirelessly alongside the emergency and statutory services to distribute safe drinking water, bedding, clothes and food and to assist the homeless at rest centres. We have launched the Red Cross National Floods Appeal to support our own devastated citizens through the disaster phase and beyond and would urge people to donate whatever they can today on 0845 054 7200 or via the website at http://www.redcross.org.uk/floodsappeal. ">www.redcross.org.uk/floodsappeal. ;
Sir Nicholas Young Chief Executive British Red Cross London