Sir Lenny Henry

Lenny Henry's work with the Red Cross

Sir Lenny Henry has long championed humanitarian causes, and his recent support for the Red Cross following Hurricane Melissa reflects that commitment. The Category 5 storm - the strongest to hit Jamaica in modern history - caused catastrophic damage in October 2025, displacing tens of thousands of families and destroying vital infrastructure across the island. 

At the beginning of 2026, Lenny Henry travelled to Jamaica to see the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa firsthand. He visited recovering communities and a school which was severely damaged by the category 5 hurricane.  

In Black River, St Elizabeth Parish, Lenny saw homes, schools and vital infrastructure that had been destroyed. His visit made clear how difficult life remains in the months following the hurricane.  

Many people are still displaced, and Lenny spent time with Red Cross teams supporting communities with essential supplies and psychosocial care.