As many of you will have read, Lombok , Indonesia has been devastated by a series of strong and shallow earthquakes causing at least 347 deaths (still rising) and some 270000 people being displaced due to their houses being destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Unfortunately my sister in laws house is one of these. (The picture on the main page is taken from her phone of the local area). Luckily they are in good health and were not physically harmed but everything they have worked so hard for has been taken away from them in such horrendous and scary circumstances. TO make matters worse, houses are not insured for such disasters.

Just 3 weeks ago my family and I were staying in Lombok and visited the many beautiful areas before the devastation and destruction. In the past 2 weeks they have endured over 350 aftershocks and an evacuation to the local mountains due to tsunami warnings. Rescue efforts are well under way but the area is so unstable and dangerous due to these constant after shocks that it is a slow and painful process.

We are trying to help raise as much money for the local people to supply not just short term essentials such as food, water, sanitary products, medicine, clothing, tents but wider term help to rebuild the homes they have lost or have been severely damaged. I cannot stress enough how horrible it is to hear first hand the way this disaster has affected the island and how scared the local people are to return to their homes even to collect belongings such as clothes for those lucky enough to still have a standing building. My wife has experienced phone calls that no one should ever receive including her sister crying down the phone as she and her young son were running a mountain after a tsunami warning was raised , not knowing how bad or how long or how many friends have been injured or worse.

My judo club Ultimate Judo will be holding a sponsored throw and fun day for raising funds but could I ask anyone not able to partake to donate anything they can to help the people. I can ensure you the money will go straight to the people who need it most and will not only help them to stay healthy and strong throughout the short term but will show them some hope in rebuilding for the future. Every penny counts. Thank you in advance for all your help and support.