One month's worth of rain in 24 hours! This was my town's main street last Thursday.

The town of Midleton in County Cork, Ireland was completely flooded this week and after previous floods over the years, many families and businesses find themselves in this situation again with no flood insurance available to them.

The clean up operation has begun and as I headed into town to drop off some clothes and small donations yesterday, I was struck by the amount of children and elderly impacted by the floods.

The "C" word is not too far away and this devastating event may mean Christmas is extra difficult for many this year.

Over 100 businesses on and adjactent to Main Street (in this picture) have been flooded.

Our local community hospital and residential health facility had to be evacuated.

Pre-schools in the town were flooded with children and their carers trapped inside.

An 80year old lady almost drowned in her own home.

There are 6 primary schools in Midleton townlands, all children live locally. Many families work in the town within businesses which are currently closed as they try and rebuild their business again. These families may be out of work for some time.

With this in mind, I'm asking you, my network & friends, for your help.

My aim is to provide 100 children with a gift and 50 of our elderly with a care package. (To the value of €20)

Something that will put a smile on their face after such a trying time.

Once I have an indication of funds raised, I'll connect with our community leaders to find those who need help most and negotiate with Irish Businesses to get the best possible value for your donations pledged. That means I may be able to help more than my target.

I know the world is a little crazy right now and I thought long and hard about asking for donations. Having seen the town I've called home for 17years brought to its knees once again, I have to try and do something that will compliment the already amazing clean-up efforts taking place.

No donation is too small and I thank you for helping me make Christmas a little Merrier for Midleton's Young and Old this Christmas.

Thank you

Sam x