HEARTBREAKING photographs of Syrian refugees trying to get their families to safety in Europe have inspired a Haverfordwest woman to do her bit to help.

Mum-of three Kerry-Ann Hart said she was deeply moved by the news that millions of families were fleeing their home countries because of war, persecution and oppression.

“My friend shared a picture online of those babies on the beach and it was that which inspired me,” she said.

“They were horrifying. Some of those babies are the same age as my son.”

Feeling disappointed with the UK government’s response to the crisis, Kerry-Ann decided to help in any way possible, and started collecting clothes, toiletries and other essentials last week.

Thanks to generous donations from friends and family, Kerry-Ann and her partner Duncan, a teaching assistant at Tasker Milward School, collected a huge amount of items, which they then took to Cardiff on Friday.

As well as several pop-up tents, sleeping bags, blankets, clothes, coats, hats, shoes and pots and pans, supermarkets Aldi, Morrisons and Tesco in Haverfordwest also contributed toiletries and other smaller items.

The couple, both 32, have three children, 10-year-old Arianna, eight-year-old Dylan, and 20-month old Isaac, and say they were compelled to help other families in need.

“These people are desperate, they need emergency help, but I feel it has been left up to the public to do something,” said Kerry-Ann.

Added Duncan: “They’re coming from a really bad place, war torn countries, they’re fleeing for their lives with just the clothes on their backs.”

”We are all accountable,” added Kerry-Ann.

“We think we don’t have much but we have so much more than these people.

“They are people, not animals, and if there’s anything we can do to help we should.”

If you would like to donate clothes, toiletries or other essentials to help the aid effort, Nantucket Church in Milford Haven is serving as a drop-off point until Monday.

The church will be open between 9.30am and 12.30pm, and 6pm and 8pm.

Urgently needed are men’s jackets and trousers (sizes small and medium), trainers and hiking shoes (sizes 7, 8 and 9) and jeans (sizes 28-32).

Plastic bags, nappies, sanitary towels, toothpaste and brushes, soap, shampoo and deodorant are also needed.

Women and children’s clothes are not needed at this time.