Flood Appeal for Gary and Gemma

Please help us to support Gary and Gemma, who were affected by the terrible flooding that has hit the south of Ireland as a result of the recent bout of storms.

On Monday 23rd October, floodwaters in the Kilkenny/Waterford area rose rapidly and, within 15 minutes, had submerged the entire front garden of their cottage in Ferrybank, and then began to enter their home. Gemma, who is 30 weeks pregnant, was trapped with their dogs on the upper floor of their home and had to be rescued by firefighters. The flooding caused extensive destruction, with the entire ground floor of their home significantly damaged and much of their personal possessions destroyed. Gemma told the story of their ordeal to The Journal, and it can be read here: 'Everything is damaged'.

This would be a devastating thing to happen to someone at any point in their life, but Gary and Gemma are weeks away from becoming first-time parents. Many of the things that they had bought in preparation for the baby were lost in the flooding. They have had to secure alternative accomodation at short notice, are without much of their possessions, and are unsure when they can return to their home, or of the full costs to repair the damage and prevent it from recurring. Therefore, we have decided to set up an appeal whereby people can reach out and help to lighten their load at this incredibly trying time, a time when they should be focusing on welcoming their new baby.

We would ask that you please consider donating what you can to help Gary and Gemma in this time of need.

Many thanks,

The friends of Gary and Gemma