AN urgent fundraising campaign has been launched to help victims of tropical storm Ketsana.

The Reverend Craig Burrows, who is originally from Richmond, North Yorkshire, is providing food and shelter to hundreds of refugees at the school and children’s home he runs in Manila, in the Philippines.

Staff have arranged emergency medical attention, fresh water and clothing for thousands more who have lost everything.

The tropical storm has left a trail of flooding and devastation across the country.

More than 240 people have been killed and thousands more have lost their home.

The country was deluged when a month’s rain fell in 24 hours at the weekend.

Mr Burrows walked 15 miles through waist-high floodwater from his home to the school to open the centre.

His father, Tom Burrows, president of Richmond Rotary Club, is co-ordinating an appeal to help his son.

He said: “He managed to organise to feed everyone, but they had no drinking water for 24 hours.

“He is now trying to get clothes and bottled water for people, as most have lost everything.

“Richmond Rotary Club has given him support in the past when there have been other disasters, for example, the mud slides in 2001.”

Members of the club will collect donations in Richmond market place on Saturday.

In 2005, Mr Burrows, who works for the Asian Students Christian Trust, was awarded an MBE for his charity work in the Philippines.

David Cox, chairman of the trust, said: “Craig Burrows and all the staff have worked incredibly hard over the last few days.

“They have made a huge difference to thousands of people by making water, clothing and food available to anyone in need. In addition a medical mission was arranged at very short notice, attended by well over 1,000 people.

“This is a major disaster with over 100 dead in the immediate locality and many homeless losing everything.”

The storm, which has since grown into a typhoon, has gone on to cause devastation in Cambodia and Vietnam.

To donate to the campaign, visit asct.org.uk. Supporters can follow the charity’s rescue work at facebook.com/craig.martin.burrows