A FORMER Queen Mary’s College student is helping relief efforts in the Bahamas following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

Clemency White, from North Waltham is among hundreds of people who are helping those people who have been most effected by the storms which have hit the tropical island.

The marine biologist, who works researching sharks in the region, and her team have been working round the clock since the storm hit to help those who have been most effected.

The 25-year-old told the Gazette: “We had to evacuate our labs at one point for the hurricane, but thankfully we were in an area which wasn’t effected.

“However, there are locals around who are still searching for missing family members after storm.

“It is difficult to not speak to someone who lives on one of the islands who hasn’t been impacted by this devastation.”

To date the death toll from Hurricane Dorian stands at 43, but with many people still missing the number is expected to increase.

Thousands of have been lining up in Freeport, Grand Bahama, hoping to board cruise ships offering free passage to Florida, and the former Brighton Hill Community School student has been helping provide emergency aid to people on the island of Bimini.

Clemency added: “These islands and communities were built to withstand storms, but no one could have predicted this.

“There is a great sense of community among the people who live here, and they are trying to rally round and rebuild.

“That is why we’re are trying our best to raise funds to help support the people of the Bahamas in any way we can.”

She added: “These people are in need emergency relief and any donations which can help will go a long way towards the rebuilding process.

“It is incredibly to see how selfless people have become, but there is still a lot more than needs to be done.”

The World Food Programme (WFP) said about 90 per cent of homes, buildings and infrastructure in Marsh Harbour were damaged and that thousands of residents were sheltering in a government building, a medical centre and an Anglican church with meagre supplies.

To support the relief fund you can donate by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/nwbsc-hurricane-dorian-relief or https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/CMS6PXCST68D?ref=cm_sw_em_r_wl_dp_cUOdTQ0h0NXUR.