A geography teacher from St Ninian’s High School will be walking the TT course dressed as ’Manxie the Dog’ to raise funds for charity.

Jim Macgregor, who is also a search dog handler volunteer, will be walking the famous 37.74-mile course in a dog costume this weekend in aid of Rebecca House children’s hospice while raising the profile of Search and Rescue Dogs Isle of Man (SARDA).

He has so far raised more than £600 towards his £1,000 target.

He said: ’This challenge came about for several reasons. I’m usually a keen fell racer but while competing with the Manx Fell Runners I injured my knee in January on the Clagh Ouyr ridge on North Barrule.

’Since then I have been recuperating with some walks. Now the Parish Walk is cancelled a new challenge was needed.’

Jim, or rather Manxie Dog, will set off from the Grandstand in Douglas at 6am on Saturday (May 30).

He will be taking on the mountain section first as he is walking the course in an anti-clockwise direction to ensure his safety and prevent possible disturbance to road users.

Supporters are encouraged to cheer him on along the way, but they must be careful to abide by social distancing rules due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jim is no stranger to endurance events, having previously completed the London Marathon and Snowdon Marathon as well as taken part in the Parish Walk from Douglas to Peel.

He expects the walk to be a challenge, especially if it turns out to be hot conditions, but believes this is nothing in comparison to what charities are facing currently.

He said: ’These are difficult times for charities with fundraising and any donation given will be really appreciated.

’Rebecca House children’s hospice provides essential care for children aged up to 18 with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. The work they do is amazing and SARDA Isle of Man are only too happy to support this amazing resource for the Isle of Man.’

Jim joined SARDA in 2004 after reading a local newspaper article that featured members asking for volunteers.

’They were asking for people who liked dogs and enjoyed the outdoors which appealed to me,’ he said.

Over the years he has trained with handlers from SARDA Wales.

He said: ’With Search and Rescue and dogs in particular, you never stop learning.

’We have always grown up with dogs in the family and they have always been collies so I knew what I was letting myself in for.

’My first dog that I can truly say was mine was Star, which was my first search and rescue dog in 2005.

’Since then I have had Ruby who is a wire-haired pointer and my second search dog used for trailing a specific scent. Our other dog in the house is a black pug called Frank who is definitely the boss!’