A BADLY deformed Philippino boy has touched the hearts of a Lockwood family.

And they are now appealing for help from health professionals to provide assistance for four-year-old Jaylord Tarayao.

Patrick Braekevelt, of Northfield Avenue, met Jaylord while visiting his wife Margita's family at the family home in Cabagan, Isabela.

Jaylord was born on July 12, 2000, with badly deformed hands and feet.

Mr Braekevelt, who works as a senior programmer at the Yorkshire Technology Park, Armitage Bridge, said: "I met him briefly and thought maybe there is something I can do for him."

"The wages in the Phillipines are extremely poor and his family have sought no medical help for his condition.

"I want to establish whether anything can be done for him and how much it will cost, but also how the quality of his life can be improved."

Jaylord has learned to write and can walk unaided and play with his friends.

But Mr Braekevelt and his wife, who have two children of their own, Alexander, three and a half, and 14-month-old Anabel, feel more could be done to help.

Mr Braekevelt, who is Belgian, met Margita through a mutual friend and the couple communicated via e-mail before marrying five years ago. It was the family's first visit together to Margita's homeland.

Anyone who feels they can help Jaylord should contact Mr Braekevelt on 01484 327833 or 0794 142 4320.