My name is Richard Smith, I am a police officer in London. I have been struck by the impact of Hurricane Melissa and the dreadful situation the people of Jamaica now find themselves in.

The full scale of the destruction in Jamaica has only started to become clear in the past few days, as the hurricane destroyed communication systems and power to much of the island, after it made landfall on Tuesday 28 October. Communities on the island's western portion, such as Black River and Montego Bay, have seen the worst of the destruction. Images have emerged showing buildings flattened, belongings strewn on streets, and whole neighbourhoods still under floodwater.

The Red Cross says that 72% of people across Jamaica still do not have electricity and around 6,000 are in emergency shelters.

Velora Burrell (pictured above) is 85 years old. She has lost everything. Her home was destroyed. She is diabetic, has hypertension and heart disease. The people of her community, St Elizabeth Parish, have no means to help themselves, or to help their neighbours. Aid is struggling to get through.

Velora's son, Seanpaul Jones, works as a security officer in London, keeping police officers and police staff safe at a central London location. He is a warm, kind man - always ready to share a joke and ask how people are doing. I am trying to raise money for Seanpaul to send back home, so that his mother can start to rebuild her life. Any donation, however small, would be very much appreciated. Thank you.