'˜Phenomenal' support has given flood fund Â£1m total

Photo Neil Cross
Gillian Stubbs, whose home was severely hit by the flooding in Croston on Boxing Day, saying a massive thank you to the Lancashire Flood Appeal that has hit Â£1 million in funds raised — Photo Neil Cross Gillian Stubbs, whose home was severely hit by the flooding in Croston on Boxing Day, saying a massive thank you to the Lancashire Flood Appeal that has hit Â£1 million in funds raised

The Community Foundation launched the Lancashire Flood Appeal on December 8, with £5,000 to support those affected by the deluge and asked Evening Post readers to help.

On the appeal’s four-month anniversary, government match funding has taken cash raised above the £1m mark.

So far almost £500,000 in grants has been distributed by the Community Foundation to more than 220 households which needed most help.

Gill Stubbs' living room in Riverside Crescent, Croston on Boxing Day

And today, a special event is being held in Whalley, to thank residents and donors for their massive support, the area where the appeal has distributed the most grants.

“If it wasn’t for that money, I don’t know what we would have done”, said Gill Stubbs, whose Croston home was flooded on Boxing Day.

“That charity has done so much for my family and, those people who have donated, I can’t thank them enough.”

Gill, 50, saw her Croston home flood with 20 ins of water.

After the initial shock, Gill realised she was uninsured, as her insurance had not been automatically renewed as she thought it had.

She heard about the funding via Facebook, and said: “We got £5,000, which has enabled me to get the plastering done, we had all the electrics checked and all the sockets raised, new skirting boards and half of a new kitchen.

“It’s also paid for all the decor to be done, and also towards a new front door.

“If it wasn’t for that money, I don’t know what we would have done.

“We would have to wait for pay packets and do it bit by bit, I don’t know how we could have afforded it.”

An event at Whalley Village Hall will take place today, to thank residents and donors for their support.

It will be attended by the Community Foundation’s president, Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire.

Cathy Elliott, chief executive for the Community Foundation for Lancashire, said: “The Community Foundation’s experience in leading the Flood Appeal for Lancashire has been challenging and rewarding.

“The Flood Appeal has been a huge part of our recent work to grow stronger communities together in the county.

“The response from those who have donated and supported those affected in communities has been phenomenal, and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved.”

You can still donate at www.lancsfloodappeal.org.uk, or by texting LFLD15 and your donation amount (e.g. £10) to 70070.

Or visit https://mydonate.bt.com/events/lancsfloodappeal.