A HEREFORDSHIRE man is flying to the Caribbean to expand a lifesaving project he helped set up.

The Homend may be world’s apart from Tobago, but Ledbury Rotary Club has saved hundreds of lives through its Caribbean Diabetic Footcare Project.

Now the club is ready to expand its work and has attracted regional and international backing.

Club member and Tarrington resident John Greedy highlighted the plight of Caribbean diabetics a decade ago after meeting Rotarians on the island, who were raising funds for wheelchairs.

Diabetes often goes untreated in the region, leading to foot ulcers, amputations and even death.

Mr Greedy launched the Footcare project on his return to Ledbury, getting Canadian feet experts to visit Tobago and training local doctors in footcare – with great results.

Other Rotary Clubs in the area have since made the scheme their preferred project.

Mr Greedy returned to the region last Sunday with the International Diabetes Foundation’s (IDF) backing to expand the project to neighbouring islands.

Mr Greedy said he was delighted at the scheme’s success, and was looking forward to the visit.

“When we go out there we are going to meet the minister of health on each island and member of the Rotary Clubs on each island,” he said. “We are also putting in a team of podiatrists to do the step by step programmes.

“Some of the bigger organisations are now getting involved because of the results we’re having. We’ve reduced the amputation rate in Tobago by about 70% and we’re just finishing the projects in Montserrat and Nevis. It’s going really well.”