A group of former Manx Grand Prix competitors are undertaking a humanitarian mission to the Syrian border with a little help from the Steam Packet Company.
Jim Hunter, Ian Pert and Ronnie Russell leave the Island on February 7th with a van-load of supplies, including children’s clothing, toys and toiletries, and will deliver to charities based in Syria.
The round trip will take two weeks to complete, with living costs and fuel being paid for by donations from friends and family as well as contributions through the JustGiving website.
Any proceeds left over will be given to charities, including King's College Hospital in London, UK Air Ambulance rescue services, and several Manx motorcycling charities. The Steam Packet Company has backed the team by providing free transport between the Isle of Man and the UK.
The Syria trip comes on the back of a similar visit to Romania two years ago, which was inspired by TT legend Joey Dunlop, who regularly delivered essential provisions to orphanages in the Balkans. It was organised in memory of Island road racer Billy Redmayne, who died in a crash in 2016.
Jim said: ‘Following the success of the Romania trip, we wanted to do something else to help those less fortunate and the plight of the people of Syria has long touched our hearts.
‘We are extremely grateful for all the help we’ve had and would like to thank the Steam Packet Company for its support.’
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We are pleased to be able to help Jim, Ian and Ronnie on their latest humanitarian endeavour. They are an example to us all in wanting to help others and I wish them well for their trip.’