DOZENS of flood victims have now been helped by the joint fundraising initiative between the Hereford Times and the Herefordshire Community Foundation.

So far 40 people have received an initial £200 'first aid' payment to help with the immediate aftermath of flooding, mainly caused by Storm Dennis last weekend.

The current total of donations currently stands at £50,221 and 40 people have received payment, with the charity still processing applications.

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One of the victims of the flood Chris Williams, who lives with his partner Charlotte Ellis and their two children in Byford, has been helped by our appeal.

The pair are both self employed and their businesses are run predominantly from home. They have both had to take time off to clean up after the flooding.

"We were staying in Oxford before the floods and getting regular updates from our neighbours," Mr Williams said.

"On Monday morning we got a call to say unfortunately the water was entering the house and that our landlords had smashed a window to get in by which point the entire downstairs had about 1.5ft of water throughout.

"When we arrived back early Monday afternoon we expected the worst and our fears were confirmed, the whole downstairs had been decimated, including both my children's bedrooms which are on the ground floor, in turn ruining everything.

"We've never been able to get insurance due to the close proximity to the river and we have lost thousands of pounds worth of items, along with irreplaceable memories and possessions which is the saddest part."

Mr Williams was made aware of the fund on social media, and said it will help make sure his children have essential items that were lost.

"We heard about the fund via Facebook and they have been incredible, assisting with us getting a dehumidifier and giving us £200 which will help get essential items for my children, new beds which were ruined by the water," he said.

"I spoke with the team last week and within a few days they sorted a grant on a pre-paid card. We are extremely thankful and it's been a huge help."

Applications should be made online at www.herefordshirecf.org

To donate you can visit www.herefordshirecf.org or text CLEANUP 10 to 70085 to donate £10. Texts costs £10 plus your standard rate message. You can give any whole amount up to £20.

For further information contact Philippa Spens on 01432 272550 or 07850 979026.