A FUNDRAISER is preparing to travel to Greece to donate supplies to charities working with refugees.

Alex Thornton, 33, of Pickering, will be travelling to Pireaus with two friends to deliver items, including tents, sleeping bags and basic clothing essentials to charities working directly with the refugees.

He said that after seeing the devastation unfold he knew he wanted to do something to help.

"It is heart-breaking to see these desperate men, women and children fleeing their homeland and risking their lives to reach the safety of Europe," he said.

"I wanted to do something but didn't really know how or what. I considered travelling to Lesbos or Kos for a couple of months to help on the frontline but realised with my limited practical skills and no foreign language I was better off trying to organise something here."

Alex is appealing for Ryedale residents to donate items, including shoes, waterproof jackets, toiletries, toys and blankets before he leaves for Greece on September 17.

He said: “It’s now a massive community thing. Everyone has really clubbed together. It’s not just me.”

Items can be dropped off in bin bags before September 16 at a designated collection point on weekdays from 9am to 4pm at Pickering Surgery, R Yates & Sons in Malton, West Ayton Surgery and BATA in Kirkbymoorside.