Layton Thompson
When floods hit Gloucestershire in 2007, many people were left without running water. After five days struggling to secure water and food, Maureen – who lives alone and uses two sticks to get around – was growing increasingly distressed and wondering how she would cope. That’s until the Red Cross showed up with plenty of water, food and a hygiene kit – then even sent round a therapeutic massage volunteer to help put Maureen at ease.
“This morning when I woke up, I felt like bursting into tears. With all that’s been going on the last few days, I’ve not been able to sit back and relax. I’d really struggled to get water at times – it was a bit scary. But then my carer got in touch with the Red Cross yesterday and a friendly lady rang me last night to offer help.
“It was like a dream. I couldn’t take it in that, after I’d been in such a state all week, someone was just going to come to my door and bring what I needed.
Massage
“The volunteers, Patrick and Helen, brought the water and things round this morning, and I could hardly believe it. When I went to the door, I was so overwhelmed I thought I was going to cry! Helen just smiled and said: ‘Now then, you’d best go and make a cup of tea.’ They brought me enough water for five days, a big bagful of food and lots of household cleaning stuff. It was wonderful.
“And then, a few hours later, this lovely Red Cross lady came round to give me a therapeutic massage. She’d heard that I had been upset by all that’s happened, and so offered to come round. It was brilliant – and it really does relax you. Usually, my shoulders feel quite tight but now, after the treatment, they’re feeling great. I told the lady: ‘You’re going to have to come round here more often!’
“You know, I’ve always heard a lot of stories about the Red Cross and I believe them all now. It’s nice to think that there are people like you around.”
Find out how we helped during the 2007 UK floods
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