A WOMAN has been left with memory loss and is in need of regular counselling after being caught up in hurricane Wilma's destructive path.

Diane King, of Amber Reach, Callow Hill, near Bewdley, thinks the affliction is a direct result of the horrors she witnessed in Cancun, Mexico.

Ms King, aged 59, saw people injured, buildings destroyed and shops ransacked by marauding bands of looters as the hurricane swept through her holiday resort.

She was on her annual holiday with partner David Warrillow when the 150mph storm struck on October 16 and, after days of living in squalid conditions, she eventually returned home to Worcester last Saturday.

The saleswoman said she is

still suffering from memory loss and is receiving counselling to help her deal with the ordeal.

"It was the most horrendous few days of my life and I am still suffering from what I saw and went though to this day.

"I can't remember things that I did yesterday but I have vivid pictures in my head of the devastation in Cancun."

As well as having to deal with the worry that 57-year-old David had not taken his heart tablets for days, the couple decided to help a Mexican family, also on holiday, who had three disabled members.

"No one seemed to be helping them so we decided we should and gave them a share of our food and water.

"It was awful for them as there was a boy with autism, a disabled girl on crutches and a grandmother in a wheelchair."

The Mexican family are now thought to be home and well, but Mrs King is unsure of when and if she will ever get over her hurricane ordeal.

"I am going to the doctor and am just hoping there is something he can do. "Hopefully, talking to professionals may help but I just take each day as it comes."