Flood-hit Abda overwhelmed with support from community

Abda speciality coffee shop in Crown Street has been severely flooded.

In just a few hours more than £5,000 has been donated.

Owner Abda Obeid-Findley, 28, said: "It is heartbreaking, we have lost everything we have built up over the past three years, all that blood, sweat and tears."

Abda serves teas and coffees from across the world, as well as freshly baked cakes and fusion food.

Staff opened a GoFundMe page hours after Storm Christoph struck.

Abda staff opened a GoFundMe page to help the coffee shop to recover from the flood

Weaverham mum Abda said: "It was really lovely of them to set this up for me. The response has been absolutely phenomenal.

"My family, friends and the community coming together to see us come out the other end, it's incredible.

"It is really heartwarming to see how much the shop means to people.

"It's at times like this that you see humanity. People I don't even know have been sending messages, offering to help and donating."

The cafe is also home to two other businesses - New Moon Art Gallery, run by Zoe Briers, which supports local artists and Henry Eko Living offers a selection of eco-friendly products including soaps and deodorants.

Originally from Sudan, linguist Abda studied Spanish and Italian at Royal Holloway where she met her husband Benjamin. The couple have a two-year-old daughter Layla.

In 2014, the linguist set up a home bakery making Arabic pastries and desserts.

Abda Obeid-Findley is ovewhelmed by support from the local community

From here the idea of opening a cafe grew and Abda opened in May 2018.

"What always has been my dream to do very well is being inclusive," said Abda. "Our coffee shop is there for everyone, food wise we cater for everyone.

"We are very experimental and unique in what we do. We mix fresh ingredients to make our coffee cocktails. All our food is fresh and made on site.

"It is a warm and loving place, a vibe people get when they come in. It's a little bit of a haven where they can go to relax."

Abda has been overwhelmed by support from her staff.

"I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for all the time and effort of my staff," said Abda. "I can't put into words how much they mean to me. They have become my family. This shop is as much theirs as it is mine."

Every effort is now being made to reopen.

"Everything that was touched by water has to be thrown out because it has sat in sewage," said Abda. "Luckily, my coffee machine and grinder weren't touched by water but my fridge, freezers, tea stock and coffee is all gone.

"We are just going to go in there and do what we do best and get on with it and see everyone on the other end."

To donate visit gofund.me/9194237a