Four men with maritime backgrounds have raised nearly £2,000 through a walking challenge to help Manx seafarers.

The group hiked 12.5miles from Laxey to Snaefell Summit and then walked down to Ramsey in aid of the King George’s Fund for Sailors (Isle of Man) and Seafarers UK.

Dick Welsh MBE, a trustee of KGFS from Port Erin, Captain Lee Clarke MN, the honorary secretary of KGFS from Castletown, general manager of Isle of Man Maritime John Garland of Onchan, and Carnival UK navigation officer Rory O’Connor of Onchan crossed the open moors via the Millennium Way to the north of the island as part of the journey.

Their efforts are in response to the annual Trafalgar Ball being cancelled due to the pandemic. The event normally raises £8,000 towards helping seafarers in the Isle of Man and further afield.

The team is also concerned about seafarers who are stuck at sea currently and cannot return home because of borders being shut around the globe to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

’It’s a very difficult situation for seafarers,’ said Mr Clarke.

’There is a lot of anger from them with many seeking recognition that they are key workers.

’We wanted to do something to help with repatriation costs, plus we are a seafaring nation and our fishermen have done such an amazing job. We wanted to give them recognition.

’The Isle of Man has a strong maritime community and I think people forget that.’

The men’s trek took them roughly six hours with the final destination being The Royal George pub in Ramsey.

’When we were at the top of Snaefell we could see ships working. It was nice to recognise that there are seafarers working away everyday,’ Mr Clarke said.

He added that there was great camaraderie amongst the team with the youngest member, Mr O’Connor, who has recently entered a maritime career being able to connect with Mr Welsh who has years of experience in the field.

’It was a fantastic day,’ said Mr Clarke. ’The support has been absolutely amazing. ’We’ve had great support from the Isle of Man Ship Registry, which is one of the best in the world. It gave us a Red Ensign flag to carry around with us.’

The team has raised just over £1,900, but will continue to keep the campaign going to raise more. More events are planned, such as the Merchant Navy Day on September 3.

Find their fundraising page by searching: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kgfsdoessnaefell