A SCHOOL is rallying in support of a teacher whose family have had their home destroyed by Hurricane Irma.

Sam Parsons, 24, who works at Monmouth School for Girls as an assistant houseparent, has spoken of his relief that his family are safe in the British Virgin Islands.

His brother, Tim, mother Gill and stepfather Rob Hales were all on the island of Tortola, in the Caribbean, when the category five hurricane struck.

Now there are fears Hurricane Maria could cause further damage to the British Virgin Islands later this week.

A swimathon is taking place in Monmouth on Sunday evening when around 40 pupils and staff will be attempting to cover 55.7km to represent the surface area of Tortola.

The boarders are making friendship bracelets to sell to pupils, while water bottles are being designed for those participating in the swim.

Mr Parsons’ partner, Pippa Williams, also an assistant houseparent at the school, is organising the swimathon.

She is hoping their efforts will raise £500 for the Virgin Unite appeal.

“The house belonging to Sam’s parents no longer exists and they lost everything,” said Miss Williams.

“As the news reports came flooding in about the devastation we heard nothing from Sam’s family. Three days after the hurricane first struck we received a voicemail confirming Sam’s family were alive and safe but that the island had been flattened.

“Military supplies have arrived but the British Virgin Islands will take months and years to be restored to its most basic state.”

Mr Parsons’ brother, Tim, relocated to the British Virgin Islands five years ago and his parents moved out to the Islands in January.

He said: “Thankfully, my family were in a safe building in Tortola when Hurricane Irma struck.

“All being well, my mum and stepfather are hoping to arrive back in the UK later this week.”

To support the swimathon, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/augusta-swim-for-the-bvi.