Sir, With the Christmas celebrations fresh in our minds, we think back to the devastation that unfolded on Boxing Day three years ago in the wake of the tsunami. I am writing to express my sincere thanks for the huge support for those affected. The British public were outstandingly generous and across Wales alone £369,037 was donated to Tearfund's work. Three years on from one of the world's worst natural disasters, the story is one of hope, with thousands of homes rebuilt, livelihoods restored and swathes of land reclaimed. Some 300,000 people were killed when an earthquake beneath the ocean sent giant waves crashing ashore, devastating coastal areas in over 10 countries, including Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka. Since then, Tearfund and our partners have helped 800,000 people, thanks to the generous support of the British public. Our partners in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand have built 3,600 new houses, using local people in the design and construction. Getting people back to work has been a vital step on the road to recovery. Tearfund's partners have helped 150 fishing communities get back at sea, thanks to new boats and nets and 865 small businesses have been re-established. And we've been determined to help people 'build back better' - introducing organic agriculture and including disaster preparedness in the school curriculum. There is much work still to do and the emotional scars will linger long after the homes are built. But your support has a huge difference. Thank you.
Mrs. Sharron Hardwick,
Tearfund's media officer for Pembrokeshire.