Good Morning Britain viewers were moved on Wednesday as Sir Lenny Henry issued an urgent plea for support following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The ITV legend appeared on the show to appeal for donations to the British Red Cross, describing the aftermath as 'very distressing'.
Hurricane Melissa, a category five storm with winds of 185mph, struck Jamaica last year, killing 45 people and affecting over 1.5 million. Sir Lenny, whose parents are from St Ann, recently visited the island and witnessed the destruction first-hand. 'It felt like somebody had picked the island up, turned it upside down and smashed it onto the ground,' he said.
During his visit, Sir Lenny saw the impact on a local school, Unity Primary School, where 20 children were sleeping in a single classroom. 'The school was utterly destroyed,' he explained. 'They'd all been impacted with their mental health. There was a wonderful person there teaching them relaxation techniques to calm themselves down when they felt PTSD.'
The British Red Cross is providing food, water, and aid, and reconnecting families. Sir Lenny urged viewers: 'If people want to donate, please give as much as you can to the British Red Cross. They really, really need it.'
