Celebrity "handyman" gives a helping hand to local charity

Monday 02 March 2015

The winner of the first Big Brother is coming to the Island later this month to help a local charity celebrate its big birthday.

Craig Philips, who starred in the original reality TV show 15 years ago and donated all his winnings to help a friend with Down's Syndrome, will be here to help launch Les Amis' 40th anniversary celebrations on 17 March.

Craig gave up his £70,000 prize money to help Joanne Harris who needed a heart and lung transport. Sadly Joanne was unsuitable for the transplant and died in 2008 but Craig has continued to support others with learning difficulties and is now the patron of the UK Down’s Syndrome Association.

Les Amis Managing Director Shaun Findlay said: “We are delighted that Craig is coming to launch our very special year and to help us highlight the vital work we do empowering Islanders with learning difficulties to live normal lives. 

“Society’s attitude towards people with learning difficulties has been radically transformed over the past 40 years from living separately in institutions to leading as normal life as possible – holding down jobs and living independently in ordinary flats and houses - supported by us, as equal members of our community.

“We hope Craig’s support and the events of this year will further our long-term goal of ensuring that Islanders with learning difficulties reach their full potential in Island life.’

Craig will be at the charity’s public open day at its respite home Mourant Lodge in Trinity and will be meeting residents in their homes.

The charity, which opened at Five Oaks in 1975, now supports 80 Islanders in 30 houses and flats around the Island so they can live independent normal lives as part of the Island community. Les Amis also operates respite care for families and outreach services.

The charity has plans for a number of other events this year to celebrate its big birthday including a Mastercook event at Highlands College, a performance of Much Ado About Nothing by the cast of Blue Apple Theatre Company - who all have learning difficulties and a Downton Charity Ball at Samarès Manor.