AS Herefordshire recovers from yet another deluge this month, we reveal that Hereford Times readers have contributed a massive £80,000 to help the victims of the much more serious Storm Dennis flooding of 2020.

In the wake of last February's storm, which bought some of the worst flooding in living memory, we launched an appeal with the hope of providing some relief to those facing devastation.

The sum contributed was staggering sum, and is a tribute to our readers’ fantastic generosity.

Initial payments of £200 from the appeal, organised in partnership with the Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF), were made to 116 households for immediate help, with the second phase to help community groups.

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Further payments are set to be made from the fund, with applications to the foundation welcomed.

One of the groups that has already been helped is the 151 Leominster Squadron of the Air Training Corps, which received £767 to replace damaged kit, including computers, equipment for resuscitation training and ration packs.

Chairman of the cadets’ civilian welfare committee Jacqueline Booth, 64, of Bodenham, said: “It [the grant] has been an absolute godsend, and when we finally get back to meeting face-to-face with our cadets it will be put to good use.”

Thankfully, the storage unit was not flooded during last week’s floods.

She said: “We have everything on shelves in sealed plastic boxes. I think we are in a much better position now. It is thanks in part to that grant. It was very, very timely.”

Other grants already paid to groups include Ross Sports Group, with the money going towards flood defences to prevent similar destruction.

HCF chief executive said Bridie Sullivan said: “Herefordshire suffered a some of the worst floods in its history and a county emergency was declared.

“The Hereford Times and Herefordshire Community Foundation and asked for donations to help households in need and Hereford Times readers responded quickly and generously.

“A phenomenal £80,000 was raised within weeks, making it the most successful public appeal in the history of the Herefordshire Community Foundation.

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"We remain grateful for the generosity displayed by so many across the county and beyond.”

The widespread devastation, now almost 12 months ago, will live long in the memories of many Herefordians.

In Hereford, the river Wye peaked at a record 6.1 metres in the wake of Storm Dennis, and across the county more than 200 people were rescued.

Herefordshire Council’s chief executive Alastair Neill, who has now left the role, told a meeting in March how more than 300 houses and 100 businesses were hit.

About 80 roads were impassable after the storm on the weekend of February 22, with the council declaring a major incident before opening rest centres for those affected.

Although the appeal is now closed to new donations, grants are still available for anyone affected by the more-recent Storm Christoph floods, and anyone affected should call HCF on 01432 272550.

Ms Sullivan said: “I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the donations to the flood appeal both large and small – it all helped to make a difference.

“The success of the appeal reflected the generosity and community spirit that remains evident every day across Herefordshire.”