A carer from Westbury is raising money for a care home in The Philippines after a trip to see a former schoolfriend changed his life forever.

Ed Mezzetti spoke to James Lewis about his close links with the islanders of Cebu and how two people in his care have pledged to help with the fundraising.

THREE Westbury men have launched a fundraising campaign for a run-down care home in The Philippines after seeing the work it carries out first hand.

Colin Ramsay, Conroy Forbes and their registered carer James Lewis decided to help after seeing how differently disabilities were viewed in the Asian country.

Mr Ramsay, 46, and Mr Forbes, 43, both have learning disabilities and live with Mr Lewis, 42, in Bitham Mill.

They are supporting the Cebu Welfare Centre on the Philippine island of Cebu.

The pair have benefited from the care available to them in Wiltshire and now Mr Lewis is delighted they have the chance to give something back.

He said: "Colin and Conroy couldn't quite understand why people in Cebu weren't getting the same input they have.

"The attitude to disabled people in Cebu is very much like Britain's was about 50 years ago.

"There they just assume they can't do anything. The way they think about them and describe them is "special children," they can't understand how these people can make choices.

"Social workers should be proud of what they've done with Colin and Conroy.

"We should be going to social services and holding these two up as how they should be doing things."

Cebu Welfare Centre was set up by a group of Japanese postal workers and looks after 14 people.

It operates on the equivalent of £270 a month, but the fundraisers are determined it can fulfil a far wider potential.

Mr Lewis came up with the fundraising idea after visiting his former schoolfriend Adrian Dabinett, who lives on the island.

He said: "I went out there to see him and just fell in love with the place.

"I bought a house next door to him, which we use as a home now. For me it's the sort of place I'd like to retire to.

"If we could raise £25,000 this would keep the centre going for three years for 200 people."

Although determined, Mr Lewis admitted they need some good ideas to reach this total and are appealing for Wiltshire Times readers to get in touch if they can help.

They have also been writing letters to businesses such as Land Rover dealers to try and secure vital equipment. So far they have built a basketball court and have helped create a garden where the centre will be able to grow its own food. There is an empty building next door, which they hope to buy, and they are designing a website where the centre can sell the craft products it makes. The ultimate aim is for the centre to become self-sufficient which would help change attitudes towards disabled people.

The three fundraisers spent Christmas in Cebu and plan to return next month.

They are now promoting the centre in the Westbury area.

Mr Lewis said: "We are doing a talk next week for a church group. Colin is also selling jewellery made at the centre.

"The amazing thing is that he comes back with the money now when before he would have spent it on the way home. He is so determined."

Mr Lewis has lived in Westbury for 18 years since leaving the Army and also has his own website business.

Since developing his links with Cebu he has married a local woman called Cherry.

He said: "My friend Adrian said that for anyone that raises £3,000, he will arrange for them to be flown out to spend a week seeing where their money is going.

"The great thing is that none of the money goes out on admin costs."

To assist with fundraising for the Cebu Welfare Centre or to make a donation contact Mr Lewis on 07946 619934 or lewis770@hotmail.com