Fifteen disabled and able-bodied people from the Isle of Man are to sail the seas in a tall ship with the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

The team, which includes 12 Barclays staff from the Isle of Man and seven from Barclays in Liverpool, will be sailing on the Lord Nelson between the Isle of Man and Liverpool as part of the JST’s round-the-UK voyage later in the month.

The members of the Barclays team have been working to raise the £800 needed for each of them to embark on the voyage through activities such as cake sales, car washes and bag packing at local supermarkets.

The bank has provided the £800 needed to fund their disabled and able-bodied friends to take part in the adventure.

Participants have been chosen by local charities including the Children’s Centre, Wooden Spoon Wheelchair Sports Society, Manx Blind Welfare Society and Sailing for the Disabled.

The JST is an international, United Nations-accredited, disability charity which promotes integration through the challenge and adventure of tall ship sailing.

The voyages help to change lives by improving self-esteem, building confidence, and providing the opportunity to learn leadership and life skills. By pairing both disabled and able-bodied people, the trips promote equality, sharing, and celebrate individual differences by encouraging teamwork.

The JST’s ships, Lord Nelson and Tenacious, are the only tall ships in the world that have been purpose-built to enable people of all physical and sensory abilities to take an active role in sailing.

Ian Pilley of Barclays in the Isle of Man said: "’arclays is committed to helping young people reach their goals and fulfil their potential.

’We’re delighted to support the JST voyage, and we’re immensely proud of the Barclays volunteers who have donated their time as buddies.

’This voyage will provide the participants with valuable life skills, and we hope that it will inspire them and build self-confidence.

’Local charity Sailing for the Disabled kindly allowed the local buddies to board their specialised boat, the Pride of Mann III, which gives islanders with disabilities the opportunity to experience sailing locally, to give them a taster of what to expect on the JST voyage.

’The team is looking forward to their seafaring adventure and I’m sure it’s going to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.’