A founding member of charity Victim Support Isle of Man has retired after 20 years of service.

Elaine Christian, from Douglas, has been described as ’hardworking and a delight to be around’ by the charity.

She has been a trustee and a management team member of since the organisation began in 1999.

Paula Gelling, manager of Victim Support, said: ’Elaine is a stalwart.

’She has shown unwavering dedication to Victim Support’s cause.

’We would like to thank Elaine for her loyalty to the charity for the past 20 years.

’As Elaine departs the management committee, we are delighted to announce that she will become a patron of the charity, and continue to be a figurehead of Victim Support going forward.

’She takes over the role of patron from Michael Moyle.’

The Victim Support team assists with criminal injury claims as well as provides emotional support for victims of various offences.

This includes physical or sexual assaults, thefts and criminal damage.

The charity, which does not receive funding from Victim Support UK, also helps families of those involved in fatal road collisions.

Victim Support added that Elaine’s experience in other on-island organisations and as a magistrate gave her an ’excellent insight into the needs of victims and witnesses and how the service for those victims and witnesses should best be delivered’.

Elaine explained that she was approached by a chief probation officer to help form the charity because she was a magistrate.

She said: ’When I first became a magistrate in 1985 I listened to everything in the court and I felt very sad for victims.

’People would say to me that the criminals were treated better than the victims and I was very pleased when this charity got off the ground.

Proud

’It has gone strength to strength.

’It’s a wonderful organisation and I’m very proud to have been asked to be a patron.

’Over the years I’ve met some really lovely people and Paula is a wonderful manager.’

She added that the charity are always looking for volunteers and funding to help victims in the island.

For more information, search: www.victimsupport.im