Owners of a Marlborough cafe submerged by unprecedented floods on January 5, 2024, have fundraised almost £9,000 through community donations.

Roy and Sylwia Meek took over Krumbz Cafe on Kennet Place in January 2023, and just one year later say they have “lost almost everything.”

“Our much-loved business, Krumbz Cafe, was hit incredibly hard during the recent floods, just over a year ago we took on this brilliant business and ran it with real pride,” said the couple.

“With a very special team by our side, we went into 2024 feeling better than ever.

“Serving our signature Breakfasts to our regulars on that Friday morning, things felt great. We never could have imagined what was going to happen just an hour or so later.

“Things escalated so quickly that day and our Cafe lost almost everything.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Flooding caused by Storm Henk submerged homes and businesses in Marlborough in early January.Flooding caused by Storm Henk submerged homes and businesses in Marlborough in early January. (Image: SWNS)

Speaking to the BBC, 44-year-old Sylwia explained that she “spotted a little bit of water” when flooding began and called her colleague to bring her a mop, but had no concept of what was about to happen.

“The water was up to the kitchen counters, it became dangerous with fridges floating around. We saved what she could and got out,” she told the BBC.

Due to the building’s proximity to the River Kennet, the couple’s insurance did not cover flooding and so they were left with no choice but to turn to the Marlborough community for help.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The cafe on Kennet Place was submerged by floods as water levels reached the countertops.The cafe on Kennet Place was submerged by floods as water levels reached the countertops. (Image: Newsquest)

The Krumbz Cafe GoFundMe page has currently received over 100 donations and racked up an outstanding £8,800 of the original £9,000 target.

“This is a fantastic independently owned cafe which is always welcoming and so friendly. I wish them all the luck with getting back on their feet,” said one donator.

Roy and Silwya are now looking to build back stronger than ever before, and have praised the community for their incredible kindness.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Sylwia and Roy reopened Krumbz Cafe as the new owners in January 2023.Sylwia and Roy reopened Krumbz Cafe as the new owners in January 2023. (Image: Newsquest)

"We are so touched by the genuine support and community rooting for us to get back to business," they said.

"Things are moving forward and we are feeling positive. A little way to go but the goal is to be back doing what we do best for you, as soon as we can."

The business owners are not the first to point out Marlborough's close-knit community and kindness.

The incoming Mayor has revealed she is planning a community champion event to celebrate the town's unsung heroes who go out of their way to help their neighbours, particularly in times of need such as these.