Mai Khao Beach villagers don't have a website or a glossy brochure, they don't want one. That's not what the Mai Khao Beach villagers are about.

What they are about is offering tourists from all over the world a holiday retreat with the basics to hand, peace and tranquility on one of the best beaches on Phuket Island Thailand. Combined with the warmth and friendliness of the families who have carefully built the business up over the years, Mai Khao Beach gives guests a truly peaceful and tranquil experience.

There were bar/restaurant areas, bungalows, camping on the beach, hammocks and campfires, toilet and shower facilities for all to use, to create an individual experience.

All the above was true until the clock stopped at 9.17 on Boxing Day 2004. The tsunami wave that struck has destroyed all but a tiny living area for Uncle, Papa, Doha and their families who are surviving on what the waters left behind. The ocean, once a source of food and leisure, had turned against them in a cruel and savage rampage.

Some would say they were lucky, they have their lives and we would agree, compared to others who have lost loved ones. But visiting the area as we did within hours of the disaster confronted us with scenes of complete devastation and destruction on a scale we have never witnessed before. All their beautiful surroundings have been crushed and beaten by the monstrous wave that struck.

We were faced with the flotsam and jetsam of humanity and nature scattered over several hundred square meters. The trusting eyes of Uncle said it all through the language barrier. Small bonfires are burning, helping hands were raking but to see the scale of the disaster was heart breaking.

Mai Khao is unlikely to receive International aid through the normal channels because of their declared independence and focus away from the large tourist areas. They will be far down the queue for funding.

The families can deal with the clearing of the carnage, what they can't do is even begin to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Money is the only way they can do this. It will provide bricks and mortar, fixtures and fittings to restore this beautiful place. The money has already started to come in and we are now talking to the families about how they would like to re-build and replace.

The emotional scars will take much time to heal but the natural optimistic nature of the Thai people makes them steadfast in their belief that it will be re-built again. With the generosity shown already this is starting to happen.

We have hugged the families and told them we will continue to help in any way we can, this is not a week long appeal, we will keep it going as long as we possibly can. We have promised them - we need you to donate to fulfil that promise. We know there are many appeals that you might have already given to; if you have any cash to spare the Mai Khao families would be so grateful.

We will update this website at regular intervals to keep up appraised of progress. Please become involved. You might even consider visiting this tranquil place in the future to see for yourself where your money has been spent.