In a letter to the farming community (see related documents) Lady Bathurst says she was 'overwhelmed' by the generosity shown during the foot and mouth outbreak of 2001 when a similar appeal raised £500,000.
"With that kindred spirit in mind, I am once again asking you all to help our friends in rural areas who have literally lost everything, due to the incessant flooding they have experienced in recent months," she wrote.
"It has been a difficult year for many, with prices of wheat and milk falling to their lowest in 20 years, but if there is anything you might feel you could spare to help those who have lost entire flocks of sheep, cattle, winter crops, fodder and on top of that, their personal belongings then every penny will count."
Donations (which will be forwarded to the Addington Fund) can be made online at http://bit.ly/flood_appeal or by sending a cheque made payable to: Countess Bathurst Flood 2015 - Home Appeal to Cirencester Park, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 2BU.