News

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company lends helping hand to Heroes On The Water

11/6/2019

Heroes On The Water Isle of Man’s (HOW IOM) vehicle has had a transformation, with help from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Local charity HOW IOM was recently gifted a Land Rover Discovery HSE to assist with its day-to-day running. A company based in the UK, which supports the work of the charity, offered to brand the vehicle at cost, and the Steam Packet Company was pleased to offer its support by proving free return transport for the vehicle and driver so the branding could be done.

HOW IOM provides opportunities for wounded military, emergency service personnel and those injured while carrying out public duties to relax, rehabilitate, and reintegrate back into society through kayak angling and other outdoor activities.

The physical strength of kayaking and mental challenge of fishing combined with the relaxing effects of the water are thought to provide a unique therapy that is now prescribed in the US military rehabilitation community. It is proven to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress; offering rest, relaxation and recovery time in a peaceful and calming environment.

For the past 18 months, a dedicated team of Manx veterans and volunteers from Mannin Angling Club & Kayak Fishing Isle of Man have been refurbishing the old arcade building in Port Soderick, which will be used as a permanent training base for the charity.

It is hoped that both the vehicle and the new base will aid HOW IOM further in providing social interaction, activities and leisure time for veterans struggling with any mental or physical disabilities.

Tony Palmer from Heroes on The Water Isle of Man said: ‘We regularly transport equipment and visiting veterans all over the island, so the Land Rover will be of great benefit to the charity on a day-to-day basis. We’ll also be out and about at various events throughout the year, using it as a promotional vehicle to promote the work we are doing and engage with the island community.

‘We are delighted with the newly-branded Land Rover; it is looking very slick and will help us as we continue to build our local presence. We are 100% funded by our supporters, fundraisers and sponsors, so to have the continued backing of such an established company as the Steam Packet Company is wonderful.

‘We are truly grateful to everyone who assisted in this project.’

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘HOW IOM is a fantastic local charity which helps to improve the lives of those facing their own personal challenges and stumbling blocks. We were pleased to offer our support and look forward to seeing the vehicle on the roads in the coming months.’

(L-r) Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Marketing and Online Manager Renee Caley with HOW IOM Trustees Tony Palmer Peter Marven and Aubrey Brooks
(L-r) Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Marketing and Online Manager Renee Caley with HOW IOM Trustees Tony Palmer Peter Marven and Aubrey Brooks