A Manx charity is getting a welcome boost thanks to two racing supporters.

Classic TT competitor Steve Moody, of Dilligaf Racing and Andy Hoare of Meala Racing Development will be fielding a Honda VFR750 that will carry the Bridge the Gap logo.

The charity provides extra support for teenage or young adult hospital patients, whose needs and interests are often different from those of a mature person or child. It is currently creating a designated area at Noble’s, called the POD, for young people to relax and take refuge in the hospital.

To promote the charity, the team visited the hospital along with the bike and met members of the charity as well as travelling marshal Jim Hunter.

Charity founder, Fiona Barker, said: ’Two teams have joined together to help create awareness of the work of Bridge the Gap. Steve Moody of Dilligaf Racing is the rider, supported by Andy Hoare of Meala Racing Development.

’They have rebuilt a 1991 VFR750 in the Bridge the Gap colours with the Bridge the Gap logo on both the bike and the leathers.

’They then suggested they bring the bikes to the hospital. To add to the event the Bridge the Gap bakers provided a wonderful selection of cakes.’

She added Andy had stayed at their holiday accommodation some years ago as a child then latterly when visiting with his bikes.

’They both knew of Bridge the Gap and when they were on the island for TT this year they heard of the POD at Noble’s and asked to have a look around.

’Both families have experience in their families of young adults needing repeated and extended hospital care, they were amazed at the facility and wanted to help create awareness both on the island and also in the UK.’

She added: ’The POD was opened last year by a miniature Shetland pony called Buddy.

’It provides a place where young adult patients can relax away from the ward when their condition allows.’

She said the charity filled a gap in the hospital provision, helping to cater for young people who were neither children nor adults.

’The Teenage Cancer Trust provides an age-appropriate environment for young adult patients fighting cancer in certain hospitals, but very few other hospitals have facilities and youth worker support specifically for young adults with either cancer or indeed other complex medical conditions as they transfer from paediatric to adult health care, which is a big step.’