A party of tradespeople and volunteers are heading over to Lihou this Sunday to pick up the pieces after Storm Goretti caused significant damage to the house.
The island’s Warden, Steve Sarre, said he has received a “fantastic response” to the damage with “offers to help clean up and patch up the house” which has been “very uplifting in our time of need”.
Mr Sarre found extensive damage to the roof tiles, water ingress, broken dormer windows, smashed glass and damaged outdoor furniture when he visited the house the day after Storm Goretti ripped through the Channel.
The house is run by the Lihou Charity LBG for the benefit of islanders and Mr Sarre said the fresh damage would “hit the charity hard”, especially since it had to undertake similar repairs in the wake of 2023’s Storm Ciaran.
It took several months of remedial work to get the house back into shape following that, only reopening in June 2024.
The house is available to book out when the island is accessible and is a major source for revenue for the charity, but cancellations throughout this year are likely.
He said they are unable to raise funds for the repairs as it will fall under an insurance claim but he said anyone can make a donation to the charity via the Guernsey donation website.
Mr Sarre said getting the property wind and water tight, as well as making the grounds safe, was the top priority.
The causeway is closed until Sunday so additional inspections haven’t been possible, but dozens are expected to travel over the causeway at 11:30 on Sunday when the tides go out.
If you’d like to help either email Mr Sarre at warden@lihouisland.org.gg or call/text on 07781 120421.