The devastating rush hour bombing in Madrid, on March 11, killed almost 200 people and left more than 1,400 injured. Our sympathies go to the victims, their friends and families.

From day one, more than 900 volunteers and staff of the Spanish Red Cross have been working tirelessly to help those affected with medical care, psychological support, and answering calls at the tracing centre.

Once more, the Spanish attack proves that disaster can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone. It may surprise us as a major flooding, a transport accident or a terrorist attack.

In Cornwall, Red Cross volunteers and staff are ready to respond to emergencies, and are generally equipped to help people in crisis. I want to thank each and every one of them for their commitment and also to invite others to help the British Red Cross supporting people in crisis - anytime and anywhere.

Readers can also help by supporting the Red Cross during Red Cross Week (May 2 to May 8).

Angie Newing, Red Cross operations director, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall