Heartfelt flood relief appeal gathers momentum in Littlehampton

The founders of local disability charity Raydar have teamed up with the neighbouring HOMElink charity, Way Out There And Back and florists Petal ’N’ Buds, to create the Littlehampton Flood Relief Group – and with impressive results.

Mere hours after forming the group, on social networking site Facebook, hundreds of generous people from across the area signed on to help, donating countless items of clothing, food, toys, bedding and toiletries.

The band of dedicated volunteers have been praised by environment secretary Caroline Spelman during her visit to Arun, yesterday (Wednesday) as well as Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP, Nick Gibb and Littlehampton mayor Emma Neno.

Staci Quinn, of Way Out There And Back, based in Evans Garden, said: “The response we have had so far has been absolutely incredible. People have been working through the night to collect donations to help all the poor people hit by the flooding. Many have lost their clothes and need as much help as they can. We can provide that help.

“It’s a tragic state of affairs but the community has really rallied behind us fantastically. It’s heart-warming to see.

“This is the Big Society – Littlehampton style.”

Volunteers worked through the night to collect donations, with 16-year-old Lauren McCarthy and Anthony Gammon, the son of Littlehampton’s former mayor, Alan Gammon, using their mopeds and cycles to pick up clothes for the appeal.

Help

The group is now calling for more men’s clothing and shoes, as well as electrical equipment, including microwaves and kettles.

Helen McCondach, co-chairman of Raydar, said: “One problem people have is that they are coming to us to collect food but they have no way of cooking it. So we desperately need electrical cooking equipment.”

Items can be collected from Raydar’s building, in Evans Garden, and from HOMElink, in Arcade Road.

To donate, call Helen on 07969336783 or message the group on Facebook by searching, “Littlehampton Flood Relief”.