A RUNCORN mum and her daughter volunteered to help refugees in Calais and Dunkirk over Christmas.

Sue Walkey, 57, and Rachel Quinn, 32, raised £2,000 and delivered a van full of donations from people in Runcorn.

The pair were appalled to discover children and families living in ‘appalling’ accommodation provided by the French authorities after the so-called ‘Jungle’ was demolished.

The couple spent a week trying to damp proof tiny wooden huts thick with mould where they found heavily pregnant women and babies struggling to keep warm.

Icicles dangled from ceilings and water dripped onto damp bedding as temperatures plummeted to minus three degrees.

Drama teacher Rachel, said: “It was horrific. Everyone was shivering and coughing.

“Babies and children were sleeping next to thick green mould in sub zero temperatures.

“One woman arrived back to this living hell from hospital with her two month old baby who has bronchitis. I have never felt such shame in all my life.”

The pair raised a further £2,000 on social media while they fitted plastic sheeting over the huts to improve insulation.

Despite the dire conditions, the refugees welcomed them into their homes.

Sue, from the old town, said: “They were really lovely people. We met nurses, engineers and lorry drivers.

“They were so thankful they made us tea and brought out food.

“They chatted to us about their lives. They spoke fluent English. They are just ordinary people trying to get away from something terrible to make a better life for their families.

“There was no feeling of hatred just a lot of warmth.”

Sue, who works for Halton Housing trust, was deeply moved by one mum.

“One woman obviously loved her children and was hugging them all the time. They were beautiful, very clean and had 10 layers of clothing to keep warm.

“She said she had family in the UK and asked me to take them to her relatives. It was heart-rending.”

Rachel and Sue plan to return on another mercy mission in February.

Rachel added: “These people are incredible, truly inspirational. We can’t turn our backs on them.”

To donate visit gogetfunding.com/we-choose-love/