Flood heroes

Laura Hendry is a volunteer at our EMW Herefordshire Sanctuary, just above the Bromyard Downs.

We all managed to get to the sanctuary in the morning on Friday 20 July, but of course the rain didn't stop and soon it became apparent that we were facing major transport problems.

I live in Thornbury, about four miles from the Sanctuary, and I have a 4x4, but even that couldn't cope with the floods and torrents across the lane leading to the main road.

We were in trouble and needed the horses checked out, fed and rugs sorted, especially as we have a little mare close to foaling now.

I rang Laura, who was at work in Bromyard, and she immediately agreed to get up to the horses as best she could.

Rescue at Bromyard mobile home park

By the time she got to the bridge over the Frome river the water was out across the road, and the problems with the residents at static mobile units on Linton Park was happening.

Laura had to abandon her vehicle and walk - she had to get over the water and a fireman carried her across!

Laura got soaked through, but the horses all got fed and dry rugs, and Laura saved the day for EMW Herefordshire.

The following morning the water had dropped incredibly fast, so we were able to get out from Thornbury.

I just wanted to say a huge 'thank you' to Laura for her selfless act, from all the Trustees and horses and ponies.