The team at the Scottish Flood Forum have some sad news to share. Our dear friend and colleague, Paul Hendy, passed away on Friday 4th December whilst staying with his family in Nottingham.

Paul was responsible for much of the 1-1 community recovery work undertaken in Scotland, and was well known to many of you in the flooding community. His person centred approach was borne out of his own experience of being flooded in the Carlisle floods of 2005. Paul literally went in “at the deep end” to help those who were impacted by flooding on both sides of the border, as a volunteer with the Carlisle Flood Action Group, through his work at the National Flood Forum and then as the original member of the SFF when it was first formed in 2009. Indeed, it was his understanding and experience of the practical and emotional impact that flooding can have, which helped identify the need for a charity such as the Scottish Flood Forum with its unique approach of personal and practical advice and support. Paul gave so much of himself to his work and over the years has been an invaluable support to many people; our Board of Trustees, Kirsty, Paul, Shona and I will miss him as a friend and colleague and Scotland’s flood risk management landscape will be all the poorer for his passing.

Paul had recently retired from the Scottish Flood Forum as Recovery Manager and it was our hope that he would enjoy some well-earned retirement with his children and grandson. I am sure that everyone will want to convey their thoughts and sympathy to Paul’s family. Should you wish to add your condolences and share your memories of Paul we are collating pictures and “Paul stories”. This was meant to be a retirement gift for Paul. Having spoken to Paul’s son we are continuing with this and hopefully this will bring some comfort to his family at this time by knowing how well-loved and respected their Dad was by his friends, colleagues and the people he supported in flood risk communities.

If anyone would like to contribute please email admin@scottishfloodforum.org and we will include your message in the memory book.