A WOMAN who fled persecution is urging people in the North-East to support those struggling to survive in Calais.

Dutch woman Jolande Mace was just 14 when she was forced into hiding in Algeria, having fled with her family from a regime intent on killing foreigners.

Now settled in Teesside, she is calling on the region to support her as she gathers supplies to send to people living in the Calais ‘Jungle’.

The 37-year-old is working with the ‘North-East Solidarity with Calais Refugees’ group to collect essential items such as toiletries, clothes, camping supplies and sleeping bags.

Having been saved by an Algerian Muslim family herself, Ms Mace believes the kindness of others can save lives.

She said: “I’m an immigrant myself, some call me an expat but I’m not from this country and have lived all over the world.

“I had to go into hiding when I was 14, my family were targeted because we were Dutch and it was the generosity of a Muslim family that saved us – they put their lives at risk to hide us.

“It’s the luck of the draw – people here are lucky to be born in England but they could have easily been born in Syria, where it’s no fault of their own that their lives are in danger.

“In Calais, they’ve already faced so many hardships, left behind family and friends and fled for safety only to arrive somewhere they’re treated as subhuman and are living in awful conditions with drought, no food and people chasing them.”

She added: “I feel powerless being so far away from the camp and I know people here want to help but feel they can’t – this is a way to make a contribution.

“People often say charity begins at home and we should help those here first but there’s no reason charity should end at home.

“Something could easily go wrong here and we’d like others to help us – it’s about being human, the colour of our skin, our religion is irrelevant.”

Items needed include men’s clothing and shoes, toiletries including sanitary towels, tampons and razors, camping stoves, non-perishable food, sleeping bags and candles – all should be donated before Thursday, September 10.

For more details, email jolandemace@googlemail.com or to donate money to help with transport costs, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/northeastsolidaritycalais.