A Biggleswade woman has received a letter of thanks from the High Commissioner for Dominica for donations following Hurricane Maria.

The Comet: The High Commissioner for Dominica thanks Biggleswade for its genorsity during the country's time of need. Picture: Jess DiggleThe High Commissioner for Dominica thanks Biggleswade for its genorsity during the country's time of need. Picture: Jess Diggle (Image: Archant)

Jess Diggle’s charitable act started with a Facebook post appealing to anyone who could donate clothing, shoes and tinned food after the hurricane made landfall in Dominica in September, leaving homes destroyed and the whole country without power.

During this time, Jess and her father, Martin Adrien, were unable to contact her grandmother and other distant relatives, who live in Dublanc – a small village on the west coast of Dominica.

Jess and her father worked closely with the Dominican High Commission to ensure goods were sent to the hardest hit areas and negotiated with Inter Island Shipping for a reduced rate on postage of relief packages going to Dominica.

The 26-year-old from King’s Reach managed to get in touch with her grandmother in the week following the hurricane, and was relieved to find out the family were physically well, however, the category five storm did cause extensive damage to their home.

Since then, they received a letter thanking them for their thoughtful donations.

Jess told the Comet: “It was great hearing from the High Commissioner, it made it all worthwhile. I was collecting so many donations all in the week leading up to my wedding so it was quite stressful.

Knowing we made a real difference made it100 per cent worth it.

“My family in Dominica are getting there. Dominican people are strong and resilient and the island will rebuild itself.” Part of the letter signed by Janet Charles, acting High Commissioner, reads: “We are deeply moved by the actions of the people of Biggleswade and surrounding areas for their kind generosity.

“Such gestures by the people in these areas has been greatly appreciated.

“Thank you for your support to Dominica in this time of need.”

Hurricane Maria is regarded as the worst natural disaster recorded in Dominica, and caused catastrophic damage to a number of other islands including Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic.

To donate to relief causes, go to the redcross.org.uk or unicef.org.uk