The first anniversary of one of the worst natural disasters in living memory is an important opportunity to note how your generosity is helping to make a difference to thousands of people. In the immediate aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami last year, the British Red Cross response, supported by funds from the DEC Tsunami Appeal, was huge. In the first months of the operation we spent £12.3 million on emergency relief, helping prevent outbreaks of disease and widespread hunger. We believe the recovery process for a disaster of this immense scale will take years, but your generosity has ensured that the British Red Cross can be there for the long term. Thank you. Sir Nicholas Young Chief executive The British Red Cross