Last week, while visiting home, the Western Cape of South Africa was ravaged by unprecedented storms and fires which have left heartbreaking devastation and desolation in their wake.

By Monday the thousands of brave men and women who have been battling the blazes for days, had managed to get the 'major life-threatening fires' under control and the reality of the devastation is setting in.

Sadly, several lives have been lost, countless homes destroyed, thousands evacuated (many having left with only the clothes on their backs) and one can only begin to imagine the impact on the local wildlife. My own family and friends were affected as we sat nervously watching headlines and phones to hear if they were to be rushed off to safety.

The costs of the damage from the storms and the fires is running into the billions as people and communities begin to try and rebuild their lives.

One of many things that makes me a proud South African, is our ability to step up in the face of adversity and come together as a nation to help our fellow man, in the spirit of Ubuntu.

Over the last few days I have read countless heartwarming stories of people coming together to help, whether directly or indirectly affected; including (to name but a few) clothing and toiletry drives, big business support, people opening their homes to complete strangers, fostering pets and animals, setting up food banks, supporting fire services, charity donations, and the list continues...

Whilst I can't be there to help directly, I've set up this fundraising page to play a small part in helping my home country (my family), in putting together the pieces as they begin the long road to recovery. I would be extremely grateful for any donations to help with this, your £s (in any amount) will go a long way!

All money raised will be transferred to the Salvation Army of South Africa
http://salvationarmy.org.za/cape-storms-knysna-fires/