An organisation is seeking supporters for its Manx Children in Need fund which supports young people and their families.

The Lions Club raises money for causes in the island and wants residents to think of it as the BBC’s annual fundraiser hits our TV screens tonight (Friday).

While the work of the BBC charity is well-known, past president of the Lions Club Roy Wilson admits that the local fund doesn’t publicise the work it does as much as it could.

Mr Wilson said: ’The emphasis is on Manx Children in Need and although there is a lot of misunderstanding about there being children on the island who are in need, from my 44 years membership in the club I can assure you that there are.

’As financial restrictions applied by the various government departments become even more restrictive, our fund is coming under pressure more and more to help families with young children, families who may have lost a parent and are therefore now single parent families but with the same financial responsibilities and outgoings as before.’

He told the Courier about some of the work the Lions Club has done and families it has been able to support including the children of a man who died from cancer.

The club supported the family by arranging for them go to visit him in hospital in the UK, helping with costs towards school uniforms, school trips and sports clubs when the father was no longer able to earn a living.

It also ring-fenced money to ensure the children could continue their education in college by funding a course.

The Lions Club supported Sophie Birtles, who died from Juvenile Sandoff Disease, by funding an expensive piece of equipment called the Eye-Gaze System, similar to the system used by Stephen Hawking, along with the Manx Lottery Fund.

Mr Wilson said that one of the key features of the Lions Club is that all money it raises stays in the island and helps local families.

He added: ’There are many other instances of Manx Children in Need providing either financial assistance or equipment for children or young people who would otherwise be unable to access them.

’And with the generous support of the Manx public, we hope to be able to do so for many years to come.’

For more information on how to make a donation call 661838.