Unfortunately, natural disasters happen all over the globe. They're sudden, deadly and destructive and we seem to be hearing about them constantly. Living in the UK, or other European countries, we are lucky enough to not have to experience these events first-hand or to deal with the consequences. Obviously, we would all help if we could, but being so removed from the areas that do have to suffer these disasters, we are at a loss on what we can do to attempt to help.

The recent earthquakes that have taken place in Lombok, Indonesia - including a large 6.9 magnitude quake - have left over 80,000 people without a home. The death toll has now reached over 300 and is feared to continue to rise whilst aid and recovery takes place…

So, let's buy Lombok a drink. (Don't worry, not literally). But say you're planning on heading to the pub tonight, or out for a drink with friends. Can you donate the cost of just one drink - the cost of a pint, a G&T, a glass of wine (or a bottle if you're feeling generous!) - to contribute towards emergency aid for Lombok? Absolutely any donation is a contribution, and it is needed, desperately.

Fran and I happened to be in Lombok when the 6.9 earthquake struck at approximately 7.45pm on Sunday 5th August and seeing the severe damage first-hand is something that we never expected to experience, being from the UK ourselves. Since that evening, countless aftershocks have increased the damage, with the latest big one happening just Thursday morning (09/08/18). The experience itself was terrifying, but it was even more difficult to witness the destruction of people's homes and livelihoods. We were lucky enough to just be able to leave the country and fly back to the comfort of our own homes and families, but thousands of Indonesians' lives have been majorly disrupted and Lombok needs our aid.

I have been researching legitimate charities that are providing instant help and aid to those affected by the earthquake and certain Red Cross societies, such as the Australian Red Cross, are providing instant aid and relief to those affected. Therefore, I have set up this page to then directly donate to this charity. They are providing temporary shelter, medical assistance, other supplies such as food and water and clothing (which is running dangerously low), and also funding the reconstruction of severely damaged areas.

Find out more about the Australian Red Cross on their website: https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/lombok-indonesia-earthquake-appeal

So, if you can contribute absolutely anything, it is all appreciated - even if you just want to send over £1 - every little helps and it all adds up.

Thank you,

Beth & Fran