A MAN who was turned away from a Cornish pub after a medical condition was mistaken for drunkenness will be stopping at a Worcester pub as part of his awareness campaign.

Alex Barker, 43, who has Moebius Syndrome and facial palsy, is hoping to raise awareness — and a glass — for others who have had similar experiences.

Mr Barker, an IT worker from Coventry, stumbled as he walked into the pub in Falmouth on July 11 this year, and was then refused service as staff believed him to be ‘under the influence’.

Now he wants to raise awareness of the condition and has embarked on a 300-mile trip, stopping at 12 pubs and bars, including the Pavillion in the Park in Worcester, between today (Friday) at 6pm and 8pm on Saturday.

Mr Barker said: "I’m going to have a drink in ten pubs on the way to Falmouth, but none of them will be alcoholic. I’m going to show that however I look, sound and walk, pubs should serve people like me. They shouldn’t rush to judgement to say that I’m drunk.

"I didn't even get as far as the bar before they turned me away, and I tried to explain about my condition but they weren't interested. I was really embarrassed and felt belittled and shocked. I've been able to drink for about 25 years and this has never happened to me before.

"I just want to raise a bit of awareness so that people may stop and think if they come up against a situation like this."

He hopes his campaign will raise £10,000 for Changing Faces and Facial Palsy UK, two charities that have supported him.

He has also been supported by Evesham-based Give as you Live.

Dr James Partridge, chief executive of Changing Faces, commended Mr Barker's determination to use his own experience to raise awareness.

He said: “The Equality Act protects people with disabilities and disfigurements from discrimination, and pubs, bars and clubs who don’t recognise this and step up to the plate could find themselves in hot water. We've published guidelines to help licensees and door staff deal with these issues.”

To find out more about Mr Barker's campaign, visit www.servealex.co.uk.