A KIND-HEARTED Whitefield couple gave up their two-week holiday on a Greek Island to help refugees fleeing war in Syria.

Niamh McGarry-Gribbin and her partner Stephanie, of Devon Avenue, arrived on the idyllic island of Kos two weeks ago looking forward to enjoying a fortnight of relaxation in the sun.

But after seeing the plight of thousands of refugees living rough in the island's main town — also called Kos — they ditched their holiday and became aid volunteers.

Niamh, aged 46, and Stephanie, aged 47, hired a car and filled it with fruit, water and toiletries before handing the delivery out to the refugees, who sailed there from Turkey.

It is thought 2,500 refugees have died while attempting the same journey.

The couple then joined a team of volunteers called Kos Solidarity, handing out food and even patrolling the coastline for arriving dinghies. They flew home yesterday.

While they have been there, friends, family and other supporters have donated more than £8,000 to help the couple with their efforts.

While in Kos on Monday, Niamh, who has been a nurse for 27 years, told The Guide: "The situation here is desperate.

"I've seen women surrounded by children and holding tiny babies in their arms, with absolutely nothing to their name.

"When we arrived in the Old Town and saw what was happening, I told Stephanie that I had to do something and she agreed.

"We couldn't just relax by the pool while this human misery was unfolding around us.

"Kos Solidarity's volunteers are doing their best in what is an horrific environment.

"There are no toilets, there is very little shade from the sun. The lucky ones are camping and people are getting one meal a day if they are lucky."

Authorities on the island say they have no resources to provide accommodation, food or toilets for the refugees, many of whom will have to wait up to three months before they are registered and can travel to Athens and onto Western Europe.

Niamh described her trip as "heartbreaking" but said the refugees she has met have been warm and friendly and keen to share a joke.

She thanked her sister-in-law Kate Sprigings for helping collect the money and everyone who has donated to the appeal.

"It has been an overwhelming experience. We are leaving, but a new group of volunteers have arrived to help and that in itself is amazing," added Niamh, a grandmother of one.

She will be giving a talk about her experiences at the Two Tubs pub in The Wylde, Bury, at 7.30pm tomorrow.

To donate to the Kos Solidarity effort: visit kosdonate.weebly.com