On the evening of Friday 8th November, after being advised by the Environment Agency that there was no danger of flooding - the village of Fishlake was overwhelmed by a torrent of water from the River Don.

The community, local farmers, the Hare & Hounds pub, the Old Butchers Cafe, and adjacent communities have all been amazing, with everyone doing their best to assist. Special mention for the Fire & Rescue Services who have been brought in from North Wales, West Midlands and Cumbria. Absolutely fantastic people to whom the village will always be immensely grateful.

Food and supplies have been delivered to St Cuthbert's Church for distribution, and while there is devastation throughout the village, it has been heartwarming to receive such strong support from total strangers. Much of the recovery effort has been in the neighbouring village of Stainforth, an area of limited wealth, but where the residents have dug deep to assist us. Absolutely brilliant!!

Whilst we are doing our best to sort the issues in the village, the decimation is immense and will take many months, if not years, to fully recover. While spirits remain remarkably high, we have now begun to encounter a new problem - insurance companies are now indicating that flood damage is not included within the general cover. We even have an instance of a policy, (which did include flood cover), being renewed with flood cover excluded on the renewal - without the insured being made aware!

My name is Dean Edwards, and I'm a Fishlake resident. My family and I have been extremely fortunate. We are surrounded by water, and cannot leave the village, but, while the water came within and inch or two of flooding our property, so far we are dry. The majority of our friends and neighbours have been less fortunate, and we would like to get them back into their homes as soon as possible.

All monies donated will go to restoring homes for the elderly and vulnerable, and those who have found themselves unsupported by insurers, at least back to a basic level of habitation. Any surplus funds will be given to our friends at Bentley, and other communities suffering similarly. Thank you for your support. Appreciated.