Could you imagine yourself having to live inside a tent for five years to escape conflict?

Three Manx men took it upon themselves to bring aid to children living this way in Turkey, as well as assuring 150,000 refugees that they ’have not been forgotten’ about in western society.

MGP competitor Ian Pert and retired competitors, Ronnie Clucas and Jim Hunter, travelled almost 3,000 miles from the Isle of Man in a van trip inspired by the late TT sensation, Joey Dunlop.

Jim Hunter, an IT teacher from St Ninian’s High School and MGP travelling marshal, said: ’It was a resounding success and we’re delighted with how it went.

’Ian, Ronnie and I felt that people living in these camps might feel a little bit forgotten and that it would be reassuring to know that people are thinking of them elsewhere. That’s why we made an effort to go out and see them.

’Our first humanitarian van trip was to Romania last year. The difference between the two trips was that the people in the refugee camp had normal lives one night, but everything changed and they had to move to these camps with 150,000 people - about twice the size of the island’s population.

’Everyone was so grateful and the children were delighted to see us. They were all full of optimism and enthusiasm, which was great to see.

’We took a van-load of food, clothes and medicine, which would have made a very tiny difference, but it was accepted as a big difference by them. The donated items were taken to a depot outside the community centre, otherwise it would’ve created so much excitement, ending up in chaos.

’The camp was so immaculately clean and the people showed us such dignity and sincerity. I thought to myself "I’ll never forget this".’

The three men had travelled through 12 countries earlier this month to reach their destination, which was only 20 minutes away from the Syrian border.

’It couldn’t have gone any better,’ said Jim. ’But it wasn’t without incidents. One memorable moment was when there was a bit of resistance at a road block, as the guards were not letting us go into the area of the camp.

’However, we did an exchange. They gave us some locally-produced fruit and we gave them a box of Manx kippers. There were big smiles all around.

’We were very privileged to access the community, as very few western people have been able to go into the area. We had go through several road blocks to get there, which wouldn’t have been possible without our guide, Tamar Altaiar, an unbelievable man who organised everything.

’We were obviously very nervous about being so close to the Syrian-Turkey border, but more nervous of the fact that issues had heightened in Turkey. Between the three of us, we’d decided to head down south if we didn’t feel comfortable.’

The men will be giving all leftover donations to charities Kings College London, UK Air Ambulance Rescue Services, Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund, Auto Cycle Union (ACU) Benevolent Fund Isle of Man and the Manx Grand Prix Supporters Club.

They have also started planning their next mission.

Jim added: ’We’d like to say a big thank you to all residents and local businesses who donated items and money to help fund the trip, as well as our many sponsors, including the Steam Packet who covered ferry costs and Mylchreests who provided us with the van. We really appreciate all the support.’