THE father of jailed charity worker Ian Stillman is to visit his son's Indian prison for the first time after receiving news of a serious decline in his son's health.

Roy Stillman, 77, from Tadcaster Road, York, flies to Simla, in northern India, on Wednesday.

It will be the first time since March 2000 he has had the chance to see his profoundly-deaf son, who was jailed in June last year after being accused of possessing cannabis. Ian, who has run a charity for the deaf in India for more than 25 years, and who has always denied the drugs charges, also had his leg amputated after he was involved in a car accident in India.

His father said today: "We have had a very disturbing medical report from a top surgeon which claims Ian needs urgent medical attention or he could lose his other leg.

"He is not getting that attention. Something needs to be said, and said loudly, and that is why I am jumping."

Mr Stillman is hoping to have an audience with the British High Commissioner in India to urge him to ensure medical attention is received.

But first he will be reunited with his son.

"We aren't usually an emotional family, but I think this could be an exception," he said. "I don't think Ian knows that I'm coming. His son, Lenny, is dealing with it, and I don't think he has let him know that I'm on the way.

"I know he enjoys getting letters from friends and family, and one of the reasons I'm visiting is to boost his morale."

The medical reports suggest that the circulation in Ian's remaining leg is poor, which could be due to the conditions and diet in prison.

His father said: "I am concerned that, unless he is treated with immediately, his health is in danger of further decline and it's possible he could even die in prison."

An appeal against conviction by Ian was unsuccessful last month. He is facing a ten-year prison sentence.

His family and friends have urged supporters to write to their MPs to urge them to join the campaign to free him.

Updated: 10:10 Saturday, February 16, 2002