Staff at HSBC raised almost £1,000 in aid of Cancer Research UK by holding an inter-island ‘boat race.’

The ‘Beat Cancer Boat Race’, an annual initiative for the bank, was held following the Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race.

It saw staff from the island compete with colleagues in Jersey and Guernsey as teams to see which island could row furthest on static rowing machines located in branches.

People visiting HSBC House in Douglas on the day were able to donate and HSBC staff also donated, with a total of £983 being raised by all teams.

The Guernsey team rowed the furthest, covering a total of 104.5km.

Money raised in the Isle of Man will go to the cancer centre of excellence in Liverpool where island residents travel for cancer care.

Tristan Bell, country head, HSBC Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Isle of Man said: ‘In recent years, we’ve managed to raise a really good sum to try and help beat cancer, and our boat race this year was a fantastic way to build on that. Everyone who took part enjoyed the opportunity to raise money for such a good cause and it was a great opportunity for some friendly island rivalry with our colleagues in the Channel Islands.’

HSBC is a key supporter of Cancer Research UK and last year HSBC Isle of Man and Channel Islands raised more than £5,000 for the charity. through a range of activities.