'Imagine if we could put a Cornish holiday on the horizon of every Grenfell resident and firefighter family: a time to rest, a time to let our beautiful county bless these people and work its gentle magic.'

On June 20th I put out this proposition on FB (Cornwall Hugs Grenfell), wondering if anyone would be interested in donating holiday home accommodation. An overwhelming wave of Cornish kindness came back. Responses poured in and well over 200 holiday weeks were offered in matter of days as well as other creative ideas for activities around the edges.

Many people asked how they could contribute to travel costs and expenses and this crowdfunding page has been set up to gather the financial donations that people in Cornwall so generously want to offer. We anticipate that this fund of £5000 might help the first 10 or so families who need this kind of assistance in order to take up the holiday offer over the coming two years.

We are working with support agencies on the ground in Grenfell and the money gathered here will be distributed in conjunction with those agencies (re residents) and the Fire Brigade (re firefighter families) to ensure verification and fairness.

NB: as of July 25th £1000 has been raised. This will be ring-fenced for transport costs as intended by donors to date. From now, however, we will also be collecting funds for logistics support as I need to engage a part-time administrator across the Summer to enable us to respond to all the enquiries and match the holidays etc. So, if you have already given, that money will go entirely for transport. If you give from now on, some of your gift will go to enabling the programme to continue. Thank you.

To pledge accommodation, entertainment vouchers or other please go to: www.cornwallhugsgrenfell.org. Thank you.