A GREEK aid worker will be visiting Taunton to share her tales on the refugee crisis on Samos.

Foteini Koutsotheodorou is touring Somerset to share her stories from the frontline, and will paying a visit to Taunton's URC Church on Thursday, February 2.

Foteini, 31, works for Christian Aid partner Apostoli, a charitable wing of the Greek Orthodox Church, and spent 10 months on Samos delivering immediate humanitarian aid to those arriving from Turkey.

She will share her experiences of the human cost of the refugee crisis, encouraging supporters ahead of Christian Aid Week (May 14-20).

Last year, Christian Aid groups and churches across Somerset raised £96,512 during Christian Aid Week through events and door to door collections.

Foteini said: “People were arriving in their hundreds on a daily basis in need of basic goods. Every day was a surprise, presenting new challenges. Working with other organisations we had to assess needs quickly and organise the distribution and provision of food, blankets and tents. ”

Foteini described the difficulty in dealing with not only the large numbers of people but also in witnessing their transition from relief and hope to despair and uncertainly as borders closed and their future remained unclear.

She said: “It was such a privilege to share with the refugees those very crucial moments when they realized that they had survived, that they were supported at some level, if not necessarily with the offer of a shelter, but with medical help, food and a blanket.

“I have no words to describe it but there is pain and gratefulness on adults’ faces, happiness on children’s faces, a birth of optimism.

“At the same time for us, there is a sense of the overwhelming need and this was on my mind often when I felt that I was not actually offering enough, the sleeping bag will last for quite long but it will not replace the comfort and warmth of a house.

“But I slowly moved to an understanding that every small donation, act of kindness makes a difference.

“What is so important, maybe even more urgent than before, is that we support these people.”

Foteini will speak at Taunton URC church at 2pm in a session which will include tea and cake.

Minister at the Paul Street Church, the Revd Susan Durber said: “I think it’s vital that we find out what is really happening in the refugee camps and discover our common humanity with those who have been forced to flee.

“It will be a privilege to hear at first hand of something that is changing the face of our world.

“I know that I will be challenged and inspired - ready to think about Christian Aid Week when we will all have a chance to stand in solidarity with those who now live in fear.

“Everyone is welcome and Taunton URC looks forward to welcoming Foteini.”