Comment: Waving not drowning

Adversity has always brought out the best in the British and the recent spate of bad weather proves beyond all doubt that that spirit lives on. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone affected by the recent appalling weather and subsequent floods and our admiration too.

Nature is a powerful beast and when it turns on us it reminds us that no matter how much planning we do we are at the mercy of our environment. When little or no planning has taken place the water arrives even sooner.

There are many tales of individual disaster and fortitude in the face of last week's floods but the common thread is one of resolution and compassion. Practices and labs around the country have had water flowing in through the front door, breaking through the roof and coming up through the floorboards. Some have been able to mop up and move on but others have been left with a longer-term headache. Despite the overwhelming odds, those without water have had it shipped in, staff have waded to work and head offices have supported their blighted stores.