A St Ninian’s High School teacher completed his walking challenge of the TT course - all while dressed as Manxie the Dog.

The challenge saw Jim Macgregor, who teaches geography at the Douglas school, walk the 37.74-mile course in eight hours and 50 minutes while wearing a dog costume under a scorching sun.

More than £2,000 has been raised towards Rebecca House through the volunteer search dog handler’s efforts, which also aimed to raise awareness of Search and Rescue Dogs Isle of Man (SARDA IOM).

Mr Macgregor said: ’The day went off brilliantly.

’Right from the start we had glorious weather and just a little breeze which really helped.

’It was great that we had the support of the media and police who put the message out explaining what we were doing.

’It really gave a boost! The amount of waves and beeps we had on the way round... I have to say on the last section from Ballacraine to Douglas my arms started aching with all the waving.

’Everyone who gave encouragement on the course really did make a difference. The Isle of Man really is a special place!’

Mr Macgregor started on Saturday at 6am from the TT Grandstand and walked the course anti-clockwise.

His location was updated every five minutes through a live tracking system borrowed from Andrew Foxon of Go Mann Adventures.

The toughest part of the course was the section through Glen Helen, the teacher said, as there was no wind and the heat was ’quite intense’. Marc Marshall of SARDA IOM supported him around the course by either cycling, walking or jogging behind Manxie Dog.

’Apart from all the amazing support and encouragement the whole thing was highlighted how worthwhile it was when a lady and her son who uses Rebecca House met us at the end for a photo with Manxie Dog. That meant a lot!’ Mr Macgregor added.

Find his JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/manxiedog