A BIG-hearted Bromsgrove businessman who wanted to enlighten the lives of the sick and elderly turned dreams into reality when he founded the Pamela May.

Bernard Clements pulled out all the stops to build a canal boat for people whose horizons are limited by age or terminal illness.

The well-used vessel celebrated its fifth anniversary last year.

Bernard died, aged 80, in 1997, and his son Ian, who is now a Pamela May trustee, said his father would be overwhelmed with the scheme's success.

He told the Advertiser/Messenger his father supported many charities and was a popular figure in Bromsgrove.

Bernard was born in 1917 and, aged 14, he joined his three older brothers to work in the family business, Clements Brothers.

He was the youngest brother, and after his siblings retired he ran the business until his retirement, aged 70.

Bernard married Pamela Pardoe and the couple had two children Ian, of Hereford, and Susanne, who lives near Ledbury.

Pamela died, aged 65, in 1989, and her husband named the boat in her memory.

He also took the name of a family friend May, who left money in her will, which helped fund the project.

Ian said: "My father had a great interest in the welfare of the elderly and spent hours visiting nursing homes, hospices and hospitals."

It distressed Bernard to see many residents and patients had little to keep them occupied.

The kind-hearted man wanted to create a project to give the elderly and sick an interest in life, take them out of their surroundings and provide interaction.

Based on his keen interest in canals, he decided to design a boat.

He produced plans, a model, and in 1995 his 45ft narrowboat was ready to take to the water.

The project cost £45,000 and Bernard had funded most of the construction using private monies.

A local vicar blessed the boat and even though Bernard was now in his late 70s he went out on her several times.

"Dad's pleasure was seeing the result of his dream," said Ian.

"He was just glad that he could help brighten up the lives of others."

Bernard's children became responsible for their father's visionary legacy.

They set up a charitable trust because until then general running expenses had come straight from their father's pocket.

Senior skipper Ben Lee, whom Bernard met in the early days of his masterplan, is also a trustee and in charge of day-to-day running.

Ian is determined Pamela May's journeys will continue.

"Dad was so proud of the boat and we are constantly trying to keep money coming in.

"She has a punishing summer schedule and needs a lot of maintenance," said Ian.

He added: "Dad had a simple idea. It was his vision. He saw the despair in people's eyes and took action.

"He wasn't a committee man. When he wanted something he grasped the moment.

"Dad would have done everything possible to ensure that this well-used community service was not forced to wind down."