Manx charity the Joey Dunlop Foundation is hoping to raise funds to provide a bench in memory of TT rider Paul Shoesmith.

Mr Shoesmith, from Poynton in Cheshire was riding a BMW1000 when he died in an accident at Sulby during last year’s TT practices.

Foundation chairman Kevin Quirk said: ’Paul Shoesmith was a good friend and supporter of JDF and the committee felt we needed to do something in his memory. With the building work near completion , we decided a memorial bench next to Simon Andrews’ bench would look good at our complex.’

Mr Quirk said not only had Paul supported the charity, on one occasion taking his friend James Whitham to one of their events, but so had his partner Janet, and her family. With that in mind they are running a separate appeal to raise money for the bench.

Supporters can donate via the website, www.joeydunlopfoundation.com or by cheque, to JDF, Braddan Bridge, Peel Road, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM4 4NT.