HIS is a country he no longer recognises.

A FRIENDLY and civilised place torn apart by war, destroyed by its own people.

Fayez Ayache is from Syria.

He moved to the UK in 1973 to fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor.

Every year he returned home, taking his daughters to see his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in Damascus, the country’s capital.

But the conflict raging in his homeland has prevented him from seeing his family.

Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives in the escalating conflict between forces loyal to president Bashar al-Assad and those opposed to his rule.

Around 14 members of Dr Ayache’s family are still living in the country. Some have fled their homes to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Lebanon.

Violence erupted in the southern city of Deraa in March 2011 after the arrest and torture of teenagers who painted revolutionary slogans on a school wall.

The unrest triggered violence in cities across the country. Fighting reached the capital of Damascus and the largest city of Aleppo last year.

More than one million refugees who have fled their homes are now living in camps in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.

Despite being thousands of miles from home, Dr Ayache is determined to do what he can to help.

“We don’t see everything that is happening over there,” he told The Star. “It is a country destroying itself.

“What is happening is happening for a good reason, it is justified. The country needed change.

“But innocent people are dying, they are losing their homes and being forced to leave their country.

“There is no life, everything is in shortage, food, electricity.

“But most of all medical supplies. They are short of drugs, supplies, everything. Doctors are working in make-shift hospitals as many have been bombed.”

Already Dr Ayache, a GP at the Constable Country Medical Practice and Ipswich Hospital’s ear, nose and throat department, has collected blankets, clothes, medical equipment and donations to help buy ambulances to send out to Syria.

But he is appealing for more help. Ipswich Hospital is holding a Giving Day on Tuesday, May 7 to allow people to donate any clothes, blankets, duvets, painkillers and money to help the innocent Syrians caught up in the crisis.

Fighting back the tears, he added: “I never thought I would see this happen in my country. I can’t influence the politics but I can do this, I can try to help my people.”

• To donate drop items off at the hospital’s Courtyard Restaurant on May 7. Money donated will be used to buy medical supplies and sent to the charities Syrian Relief and Hand in Hand who help to buy ambulances to send out to the war zone.

• GP practices are being urged to donate out-of-date medical supplies and equipment.

• To find out more about how you can help email fayezayache@aol.com