A FORMER south Ceredigion hill farmer who left his home in Cardigan on hearing a mysterious voice telling him to become a doctor has just become the first living westerner honoured at the Asian Awards.

Dr Jack Preger was named Philanthropist of the Year at a star-studded ceremony in London.

The award recognises his extraordinary contribution to helping the poorest of the poor in Kolkata for the past 38 years.

It is the first time a living person not of Asian origin has been honoured at the awards, though Mother Teresa received a posthumous award last year.

During the presentation at the Park Lane Hilton by actor and comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar, Dr Jack, as he is known, was described as “truly an outstanding individual who defines the meaning of philanthropy”.

Dr Jack told the audience, which included cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and London’s mayor Sadiq Khan plus a host of other celebrities: “This is an incredible honour for me. This award gives my organisation, Calcutta Rescue, street med cred – and that’s a great help in this country for our support groups raising funds. It’s a great help in Kolkata. Financially it really is so difficult to keep an organisation going nowadays.

“The fact that I’m not Asian makes it even more impressive for me receiving it.”

Jaydeep Chakraborty, chief executive of Calcutta Rescue, said: “Dr Jack has selflessly and quietly gone about his work of serving some of the poorest citizens in the world. He leads an almost monastic existence.

“The entire team at Calcutta Rescue feels tremendous pride that Dr Jack’s work is finally beginning to be recognised.”

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