What happened?

On October 29, 2024, Valencia was hit by catastrophic flooding due to a gota fría weather event. Record-breaking rainfall, exceeding 500 mm in 24 hours, caused flash floods across the region, with villages like Paiporta, Albufera, and parts of the Valencian capital among the worst affected. Entire streets were submerged, homes and businesses were damaged, and vital infrastructure, including roads and railways, was severely disrupted.

Over 100,000 households experienced power outages, and transportation services ground to a halt. Tragically, at least 62 lives were lost, and many residents were displaced. Emergency services and volunteers have been working tirelessly to assist those in need and begin recovery efforts.

A flooded street with muddy water, damaged debris, and shopping carts scattered around. There are trees and buildings on either side, and a blue sky with some clouds overhead.
A street covered in muddy water and debris after a flood, with a water truck and workers in safety vests in the background.
A car accident scene with multiple damaged vehicles piled up, including a crushed white car and a black car with mud on it, surrounded by debris, in front of a residential building at sunset.
Interior of a restaurant or café under renovation, with damaged walls, dirty floors, and exposed electrical wiring.
A dirty, open oven with a discolored interior and a wire rack, situated on a dirty floor. The surrounding area is cluttered with other kitchen equipment and cleaning tools.
Inside a possibly abandoned or unclean cafe or kitchen with stained walls, empty shelves, a cardboard box, plastic bag, and a pink book on the floor.
Close-up of muddy water, with a person's boot and leg visible standing in or near the mud.

What did La Maritxu do?

Lucia and Ignacio flew to Valencia on Sunday 10th of Nobember and visited businesses that had lost everything. Majority have not survived, with water going up to more than 2m high. Below some examples of how premises were left

On Friday, the 8th of November,

We raised

£6,500

across both shops

and are proud to donate the full amount to support businesses affected by the flooding

Three people standing together smiling in a flooded street with muddy water, wearing rain boots, surrounded by palm trees and colorful apartment buildings, under a blue sky.
Airport departure gate sign showing flight number EZY6499 to Valencia with easyJet airline logo.

THANK YOU ALL THE CUSTOMERS THAT CONTRIBUTED WITH THE DONATION ON THE 8TH OF NOVEMBER

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THANK YOU ALL THE CUSTOMERS THAT CONTRIBUTED WITH THE DONATION ON THE 8TH OF NOVEMBER -

Who are we helping to?

  • Three people standing together in a garage, smiling and posing for a photo. There are two motorcycles in the background and various items like a chair, a small stroller, and hanging tools or fabrics.

    PACO

    SELF EMPLOYED

    Paco, a skilled craftsman, specialised in repairing air conditioning. He lost everything when flooding destroyed his home’s ground floor, including the tools he needed for work. Unable to continue his trade, he was left devastated.

    We came together to buy him the equipment he needed to get back on his feet. With our support, Paco was able to start working again, rebuilding his life and his future.

  • A room in disarray with muddy floor, piled dirt, broken furniture, and scattered debris, including mud-covered tables and chairs.

    ANA MARIA

    CAFENET RIOLA

    Ana María, a single mother of two, had just opened her business a few months ago, full of hope and excitement. But when the flood hit, her new equipment was destroyed.

    We are stepping in to help by providing the essential equipment she needs: a fryer, a professional microwave, and a stove. With our support, Ana María will be able to get back on her feet and re start the business.

    Doneta via Gofundme
  • Dirty and worn out commercial oven with the door open, in a messy kitchen with a mop and electrical panels on the wall.

    LAURA

    COMO EN CASA

    Laura, a mother of three, and her husband put all their savings into opening a new restaurant called Como en Casa. They launched on October 24th, full of dreams and excitement. But just five days later, disaster struck—the flood wiped out their brand-new equipment.

    We’re stepping in to help by buying them the essential equipment they need to restart: a professional cook and fryer.

    Doneta via Gofundme
  • A restaurant or kitchen with tiled walls, a dirty floor, and an overall state of disrepair including a damaged glass door, exposed wiring, and visible dirt and grime. There is an industrial sink or machine against the wall, and a small room or storage space on the left.

    NELA

    FORN SANT ROC BAKERY

    Nela, who ran a family bakery, had poured her heart and soul into the business. But when the flood struck, it destroyed everything—her oven, mixers, and all the equipment she relied on.

    Nela plans to reopen with the essentials, and while her community will assist with providing a new oven, we are stepping in to help by buying her a professional mixer. With this support, Nela will be able to get her bakery back up and running, continuing her family’s legacy.

  • Dirty and damaged kitchen with a wooden countertop, a commercial espresso machine, and a wooden shelf on a wall. The floor appears to be covered in mud or dirt, and the overall space looks neglected and in disrepair.

    FRANCISCO

    SUSHIMARKET

    Francisco, the owner of a sushi restaurant, saw his business devastated when the flood destroyed all his equipment. His equipment were lost, leaving him unable to serve his customers.

    To help him get back on his feet, we are providing him with the essential equipment he needs: a new microwave, fryer, and display. With our support, Francisco will be able to reopen his sushi place and get back to serving his community.

    Doneta via Gofundme
  • Our story

    Our story

    My name is Lucia. I want to personally welcome you to La Maritxu and tell you the story behind our family business. 

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  • Our calendar

    Our calendar

    La Maritxu attends different Food Markets around London during the weekends. Check our calendar to visit us.

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