Hi, I'm Nicci and I live in London. Those of you who know me will know how much I love spending time in Jamaica in the family home that my late dad built after retiring from the UK and lived happily with his wife, Carol, who loved him and cared for him until he past away in May 2024.

On Tuesday, 28th October 2025 (and my dad's heavenly birthday), a devastating hurricane tore through Santa Cruz in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, leaving behind heartbreaking destruction. Homes have been damaged, roads have collapsed and people are struggling to find food and clean water.

My own family has been directly affected. The photos that you can see were taken by my step sister from the veranda of our home as the storm intensified. The road outside our home has split into two, with water rushing through like a river, cutting off access. The roof has started leaking from the heavy rains and now the ceiling has begun to cave in. Every day my step mum and family try to stay strong but the conditions are worsening.

To make matters worse, there is no power, and mobile networks are down. I’ve managed to receive a few brief updates when my family have managed to find a weak signal but these updates are not positive – they’re stressed, anxious and desperate for help.

Right now, my family do not have access to clean water and their food supplies are almost gone. They are rationing crackers and tinned mackerel. Shops and businesses remain closed in Santa but the community is trying to pull together to help one another; resources are scarce and they desperately need help.

I’m trying to raise £2,000 to send emergency shipments of food, water, and building materials. Please know that your contribution will not only directly support my family but their neighbours too, especially one neighbour (known as "Breeda" )who lived in a small shack that has been totally demolished. These funds will provide:

• bottled water

• Food parcels (tinned food, rice, flour

• Toilet paper, soap and cleaning materials etc.

• Urgent building supplies to repair roofs and homes damaged by the storm

• A generator for my family to keep essential utilities like the fridge and lights running during future storms

If you are able to deliver supplies to my home or would like me to collect supplies if you are based in East London (in particular E6, E7, E16, E15, Barking and Ilford areas) please use the contact button below.

Every single donation, no matter how small, will help bring relief and hope to people who have lost so much.

Please, if you can, donate or share this page to help us reach as many people as possible. Your kindness and compassion will make a real difference not only to my family, but those who are also struggling to survive and rebuild their lives.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, prayers and support.

Nicola (Nicci)