Charity volunteer from Great Maplestead launches clothing appeal in support of women impacted by migrant crisis in Europe

A charity volunteer has launched a major clothing appeal to help provide dignity to women affected by the migrant crisis across Europe.

Jan Bettley, from Great Maplestead, is encouraging people to donate new pairs of underwear for female migrants who have sought refuge on islands across Greece.

While helping a team of volunteers to unload vital supplies on one of the Greek islands last year, Mrs Bettley was surprised to discover a drastic shortage of underwear for women, which prompted her to appeal for donations.

“I believe women deserve the dignity of wearing their own underwear,” said the 69-year-old.

Following her appeal, Mrs Bettley received hundreds of donations from her local Women’s Institute group.

“I was so proud of them and their friends who donated items,” she said.

In November, 500 pairs of underwear were sent to a migrant camp, with the same amount of donations being delivered to Samos in February.

Keen to support migrants, Mrs Bettley, of Church Street, joined Hope and Aid Direct, as a volunteer.

“It’s a humanitarian disaster, and I thought, what can I do to help?,” she said.

Run by volunteers, the charity provides vital supplies to vulnerable individuals and families across the world.

Despite their hardship, Mrs Bettley described the migrants’ resilience as awe-inspiring.

“These women are so stoic – they are just amazing,” she said. “They are living in total squalor and they are doing it with dignity.”

Highlighting that it was considered a basic human right to own everyday essentials such as underwear, Mrs Bettley said the donations were always appreciated.

“They deserve dignity and I feel that very strongly,” she said.

To donate items, call 07901 711394, or email jan@janhancock.co.uk.

Businesses are also being sought to serve as drop-off points for donations.