A DOCTOR is devoting his life to helping those struck by poverty in memory of his much-loved son.
Dr Ashok Merwah, 63, has made it his mission to provide aid to the poor in Goa, Sri Lanka and Mombassa, since his 21-year-old son Gareth was killed in a car crash in 2004.
Dr Merwah, of Kinnerton, has practised at his surgery, the Gwalia Medical Centre in Caergwrle, for more than three decades, but is hanging up his stethoscope for the last time on September 30 to commit himself to aid work.
Every penny of the money spent on the 'Gareth Project', named after Dr Merwah's son, comes from his own pocket. He prefers to do this over giving cash to large organisations, because he can see where the money is being spent.
'I go there as a human, not as a doctor. It's very rewarding, but I don't do it for any thanks,' said Dr Merwah.
When Dr Merwah retires, he plans to buy a house in Goa and Sri Lanka so he can be close to the areas where he provides aid.
He has been supported in his work by his partner Avril Main, who will relocate with him.
Dr Merwah explained: 'I am 63 now, I want to devote what is left of my life to the project.
'I have all this money - this is my mission in life and it is far better to give than to take.'
Even though his work spans two continents, Dr Merwah says people's basic needs are the same. He has already provided a well in Goa, which means that 120 villagers no longer have to trek 500m for water, and he is planning to build a further 20 wells between Goa and Sri Lanka.
'I always believe water and education are the most important things,' said Dr Merwah.
'We don't know how lucky we are here. We flush water down the drain without even thinking about it.'
In Goa, Dr Merwah's work includes giving medical and financial help to the Mother Teresa project providing tables, chairs and financial help to a temple school.
In Sri Lanka he has begun building a house for a victim of the Boxing Day Tsunami, and also provides medical treat-ment.
He will also be building a new clinic and school in Goa and a school in Mombassa, all of which will be named after Gareth.
