Alison Hammond shared her heartbreak over witnessing the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa ravaging Jamaica, displacing thousands of residents. The 51-year-old presenter, hailing from Birmingham to Jamaican parents, expressed her shock at the widespread devastation caused by the 185mph hurricane, which scattered personal belongings like cars, furniture, and clothing across the streets of the Caribbean island.
During her visit to Black River, a severely impacted port city, people were left struggling to find food and reconnect with missing loved ones post-storm. Alison, on a trip with Unicef ahead of Soccer Aid, observed the extensive damage, including the Black River Primary School, where many parts of the building were rendered unusable, preventing some students from resuming in-person classes due to the destruction of their homes.
The town of Black River bore significant destruction, with residential properties, churches, and the historic market reduced to rubble. Alison described the scene as overwhelming, noting the complete devastation with uprooted trees and barren landscapes. She emphasized the resilience of the community, particularly highlighting her interactions with 11-year-old Orecia at Darliston Primary School, whose life was upturned by the hurricane.
Orecia showed Alison the dire state of her school, where classrooms were damaged, halting the learning process. Alison also visited temporary learning spaces supported by UNICEF, aiding children in resuming education amidst the chaos. Despite the challenges, Alison witnessed firsthand the determination of Orecia and her peers to rebuild their lives and return to normalcy.
Hurricane Melissa’s impact in October 2025 left a trail of destruction in Jamaica, affecting approximately 280,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance. Unicef’s efforts to provide temporary classrooms, educational resources, and emotional support have helped over 100,000 children overcome educational disruptions caused by the storm.
Alison emphasized the importance of safe spaces like the Unicef-supported Child Friendly Space, where children cope with trauma through structured activities and support. A film documenting Alison’s trip to Jamaica will be featured during Soccer Aid for Unicef, highlighting the resilience of families and the vital role of organizations like Unicef in supporting communities during crises.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF aims to raise awareness and funds to assist children affected by disasters like Hurricane Melissa. The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) has pledged to match donations up to £6 million, with the funds directed towards the Child Nutrition Fund to address malnutrition and support children’s health and well-being.
To contribute to the cause ahead of the event, donations can be made at socceraid.org.uk/donate. By supporting initiatives like Soccer Aid for UNICEF, individuals can help vulnerable children access education, protection, and essential care in times of crisis.
