From the very first day we launched Flood Industry magazine, entering the sector as relative newcomers, the immense passion and profound impact of Mary Long-Dhonau OBE - affectionately known to everyone simply as Flood Mary - was immediately palpable.
Mary would almost certainly hate us making this about her, as she has always preferred the focus to remain firmly on the people and communities she supports. But we also feel that someone who has dedicated so much of herself to others deserves a little recognition from time to time.
Since those early days, we have crossed paths with Mary at countless industry events, and what never ceases to amaze us is that her fiery enthusiasm never wavers. She is a force of nature, working tirelessly not just to raise the profile of property flood resilience, but pouring her own deeply personal energy and genuine care into supporting those affected by flooding. Drawing on her own lived experience of being flooded, she connects with people on a level that offers authentic empathy alongside practical, life-changing advice.
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There is a profound emotional weight to this work, and it is impossible not to feel a sense of awe at how one person can absorb so much heartbreak and devastation from others. Walking into a community that has lost everything takes an immense personal toll, yet Mary has consistently stepped up to carry that burden for decades, turning collective grief into a catalyst for resilience.
As Mary prepares to step away from her iconic work with the Floodmobile and transition into an exciting new chapter with Flood Re, the entire industry watches with immense gratitude and anticipation. Whilst the vehicle and the day-to-day focus may change, the mission remains entirely the same. We are incredibly excited to see what she creates in this next phase of her career, because if our time in this sector has taught us anything, it is that there is only one Flood Mary - and she will undoubtedly make this new role entirely her own.
Head over to the latest issue of Flood Industry magazine to hear from Mary about her experiences and inspiration along the way, what's next for her, and some heart-warming words from Mary's colleagues and friends - read the article here.
