MANX LOTTERY TRUST SALUTES TRUE HEROES

A charity which offers rehabilitation and social reintegration opportunities for serving and military veterans has received a major boost from Manx Lottery Trust.

Heroes on the Water (IoM), which promotes kayak angling as a therapeutic activity for members of the armed forces and emergency services past and present, has been awarded just under £20,000 to purchase equipment.

The grant of £19,946 was awarded from the Dormant Assets Fund, which is distributed by the Trust on behalf of Treasury. The money will buy a trailer, suitable kayaks, wetsuits and boots, along with a kayak training machine to allow training on dry land.

Part of a worldwide organisation, the Isle of Man branch of Heroes on the Water was formed in 2014 and registered as a Manx charity in 2018 to offer mental respite for local veterans through outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing.

Charity chairman Tony Palmer explained: ‘Over the last seven years we have worked with some wonderful individuals from the armed forces alongside local firemen, nurses and police officers.

The benefit they have gained from undertaking physical and therapeutic rehabilitation has been clear.

‘Of course, having the correct equipment gives them confidence to challenge themselves with new activities, so this grant will be put to good use and we would like to thank the Manx Lottery Trust for its support.’

Dormant assets are funds which have been untouched for an extended period, and once attempts to trace their rightful owners and reunite them with their funds have proved unsuccessful.

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of the Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘Our military members and emergency service personnel represent the very best of us with both dedication and sacrifice.

We were so pleased to award this grant for an initiative which provides physical and mental therapy for those who do so much to protect us.’

To find out more about the Manx Lottery Trust Dormant Assets Fund, please visit: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes