Hope For Cobridge

Poor road and river access continue to hamper the relief efforts. A massive jam built up at Smallthorne roundabouts, where the complex series of small roundabouts confused foreign aid workers. Meanwhile, roadworks on Potteries Way caused tailbacks there also.

Former American President Bill Clinton arrived on behalf of the UN, and immediately highlighted the plight of young women. "This disaster has had a devastating effect on families," he said. "Everywhere I have been in Cobridge, all I see is pregnant young women and single mothers having to do it all by themselves. The men aren't around anymore, probably killed in a meaningless war, but we are here, and we can help. I want to get hands-on with these young women."

Many people have been unable to see a doctor or dentist in Cobridge and have had to travel into other parts of Stoke for simple medical appointments. Bill Clinton described the situation as "not good enough".

US Navy search and rescue teams found a large group of young teenagers hanging around an amusement arcade who said they had nowhere to go. Their speech was barely comprehensible to the Navy team members. The teens were taken to be held at the nearby US military base until they can be adopted overseas. It is rumoured that Madonna has shown an interest.

More than 100 people have now been rescued from their crumbling homes. Many of them were too proud to accept help and had to be forcibly removed from their property while others were in such a state of shock they didn't even realise they needed help.

People in Africa have been encouraged to send clothes and food to the people of Cobridge. Leading African musicians are planning to record a charity song and to host a big concert to raise money and awareness of the situation.

The twelve hour Hope For Cobridge Telethon hosted by Jonathan Wilkes has raised more than £57,000. Organisers claim this as the biggest telethon ever. Highlights of the show included Bono hugging a member of the crowd who was wearing a Stoke City shirt to show how much he cares. Sting meanwhile brought along someone from Cobridge to highlight his plight. The man's tribal tattoos and piercings were of particular interest to the crowd.