From Redruth to Valencia: Brandon’s Flood Recovery Mission

A Cornwall College Camborne student has stepped up to help a flood-stricken community in Valencia, Spain, showcasing the power of compassion and teamwork.

Brandon Fuentes, originally from Mexico and now living in Redruth, recently travelled to Spain to assist with clean-up efforts following severe floods that left homes devastated and families in despair. Brandon, a student on the Electrical Installation programme, was motivated to act after learning about the disaster from his friend’s father-in-law, whose relatives were among those affected.

An International Team Joins Forces

Driven by a desire to make a difference, Brandon quickly organised a team of friends from France and Switzerland to support the recovery.

“The devastation was immense,” said Brandon. “Streets were covered in thick mud, homes were flooded to the second storey and families had lost nearly all of their belongings. When I do things like this, I don’t think about being kind, I just do it because I want to.”

Upon arriving in Valencia, Brandon and the team immediately set to work. Their tasks included cleaning houses, clearing mud, and salvaging belongings, all while helping families regain some sense of normalcy.

Resilience Amidst Destruction

Despite the challenges, the resilience of the local community was a constant source of inspiration for Brandon.

Residents, many of whom had lost everything, walked miles to access their homes. Over 100 volunteers from across the globe joined the recovery mission, while homeowners without electricity expressed gratitude by cooking meals for helpers using battery-powered stoves.

“Their resilience was inspiring. Even though they’d lost so much, they were still trying to give back to those helping them,” Brandon reflected.

Balancing Compassion with Commitment

After a weekend of intense work, Brandon returned to the UK and didn’t skip a beat—heading straight to class the same day.

“I was exhausted, but I knew I had to show up. My education is important, and I didn’t want to fall behind,” he said.

Luke Bazeley, head of Cornwall College Camborne, praised Brandon’s efforts: “We’re incredibly proud of Brandon’s selflessness and the example he sets for others. His actions reflect the values we strive to instil in all our students, making a positive impact on the world while staying committed to personal and professional growth.”

To explore the range of courses at Cornwall College, visit Cornwall College.