A MONMOUTH family has shown true Christmas spirit in a bid to combat the devastation facing Cumbria.

Earlier this month Storm Desmond wreaked havoc causing mass flooding in the area and forcing many to evacuate their homes.

The Thomas-Hewartson family has used the damage caused by the storm as an opportunity to show its support to those who have had their homes and possessions stripped away.

The family of three has connections in Cumbria and still has relatives living there so the area is close to the hearts of the Thomas-Hewartsons.

Moved by the prospect that residents would face Christmas away from their homes, mum Rachel, dad Huw and their 11-year-old son Barney decided to take a couple of cars with basic supplies to the Cumbrian residents.

Rachel decided to send a plea via Facebook asking for support from her community. The plea generated an overwhelming response prompting 40 boxes of donations containing basic necessities like toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothes, sanitary products and shoes.

After the influx of boxes, the family decided they’d need a van to carry all the supplies instead.

GP Rachel said: “I’m originally from Cumbria and my family has lived there for generations, we still have some family there.

“We often go and stay in Patterdale and we love going there. After hearing about the storm we decided we had to do something for the community.

“I asked a few friends to help with donations and the support has been coming in non-stop.

“Barney has donated all his teddies to the cause.”

The family travelled to Preston and back last Thursday (10th December) with the supplies. The Thomas-Hewartsons dropped the supplies at the depot in Preston which is collecting supplies from across the UK.