Due to ill-health, Downes returned to England and pursued philanthropic work, notably presiding over his local branch of the YMCA.
[4] Downes grew up with 3 siblings: one elder brother named Lennard and 2 younger sisters, Bertha and Adela.
After finding an in interest in medical missionaries, Downes studied medicine at St. Mary's Hospital where he received his MD in Brussels in 1876.
[3] In 1877, a famine hit Kashmir, and Downes and his team participated in relief work for the community in need, distributing food and digging a canal.
Downes also took action to support the mentally ill of Kashmir, who were frequently overlooked with no job or home during this time.
[1] A farewell meeting, presided by the British Political Officer on special duty in Kashmir, was held in his honour.
[1] Downes's work in constructing the Kashmir Mission Hospital, mental asylum, and orphanage played a critical role in developing the Drugjan community.