A young mum who comes from Japan has spoken of her shock and sadness at seeing the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that has devastated her country.

Thousands of lives have been lost in the disaster since the quake hit north-eastern Japan a week ago.

With Medway's strong links with the country, many in the Towns are rallying around and hoping to help out.

Mother-of-two Satomi Cooper , who moved to Medway three years ago and now lives in Constitution Road, Chatham, said she had not realised the extent of the damage until her mother-in-law called to ask if she knew of anyone affected.

Mrs Cooper's family and friends live in Osaka, a safe distance from the epicentre and escaped unharmed.

She said: "You feel totally helpless seeing the stories, photographs and videos online, I have read about one man who lost his wife and children in the tsunami.

"It is so upsetting but seeing the reaction of the people of Medway gives you hope."

Cllr Sue Haydock, Japan group chairman of Medway Council's international relations committee, has been in touch with friends in Medway's twin towns, Ito and Yokosuka, where she is honorary mayor.

In an email to Cllr Haydock, the mayor of Yokosuka, Yuto Yoshida, thanked the people of Medway for their support and said the city, with a population of more than 400,000, had escaped the disaster with no reported deaths.

Cllr Haydock also co-ordinates the Will Adams Festival, which celebrates the life of the Gillingham-born sailor who became the first Englishman to reach Japan.

St Mary Magdalene Church, Gillingham Green, where Will Adams was christened, will hold a service of prayer and remembrance for the victims on Sunday, March 27, at 4pm.

Tracey Crouch, Chatham and Aylesford MP, said: "Medway has historic links to Japan so it is not surprising that so many are keen to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

"I certainly hope to do my bit in raising awareness for local fundraising efforts taking place."

Do you have family in Japan? Leave your comments below or email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk.

If you would like to donate, you can drop off cheques addressed to Chatham Rotary, or cash, at the Shi Kon Martial Arts Centre in Chatham Hill or at the Holiday Inn Rochester-Chatham in Maidstone Road, Chatham