Jessica Ryan, of Church Street, Kingsbridge, writes:

I am writing in response to Penny Perret’s letter regarding a local woman’s effort to help people in crisis, Gazette, November 20.

I found it a shame to hear such a cynical view of the ­situation. Whether these people are fleeing from their home countries for economic reasons or otherwise, they have found themselves in squalid conditions. Do they not deserve our charity? Are they not human just like you and I, Penny?

With regards to your ­disparaging opinions on her trip to Greece: are the horrific images we have seen of people being rescued from over-crowded boats and a toddler washed ashore not enough to squeeze some sympathy from you? How can charity to these people be misplaced?

As you say, they are from war-torn countries such as Syria. They have risked their lives to make it to Greece. We cannot imagine the atrocities they have faced that have forced them to make this journey.

To suggest that we should not take people at face value plays into the hands of extremists. They wish to spread fear and cause more segregation and mistrust than we already have.

I commend Juliet for her efforts and her humanity. The world could use more people like her.