A team which raises money for charity by taking part in raft races along the River Wye is devastated at the loss of all their rafts following Storm Callum.

The team had checked the rafts on Friday and were assured that they would be secure as they were chained and padlocked together, and to a tree, at Eaton Bishop.

On Saturday morning they returned to check again but received calls about a video which had been posted on Facebook showing several rafts lodged at Hereford Bridge. They immediately turned round and returned to Hereford, but by they time they arrived the rafts had become dislodged. They then tried to see them at several other viewing points along the river. They caught a glimpse of two of them at Hoarwithy Bridge but were unable to reach them. They have also had reports that they may have passed Wilton Bridge.

They are desperate for any of the parts to be returned to them as they will have to repair and replace them as best they can.

Nick Wood from the MadSats team told the Ross Gazette:?“The fibre glass seats could be reused although most of the aluminium parts would have to be replaced.

“The fibre glass bows are also very specialised and cost around £500 each.”

Anyone who spots any bits should call Nick and he will try to retrieve them, although he said they will not be venturing onto the river yet, it is still too dangerous. Other raft teams have offered to lend the MadSats a raft to take part in the race at the weekend, which will be the last race of the season, but Nick is not sure yet whether it will go ahead. He said:?“I wouldn’t entertain going out at the moment.’

Nick Wood told the Ross Gazette they the MadSat racing team has been running for 30 years. He said he has never seen conditions on the river so bad,

He said the team take their rafting very seriously, training three times a week and in the last year alone have raised more than £3,000 for charity.

Anyone who spots any raft pieces, or all him if anyone would like to make a donation to help the team get back on the river to continue their fundraising next year, call Nick on 07935 204176.