Three Manx Grand Prix competitors are revving up for a humanitarian van trip to a Syrian refugee camp.

Clothing, non-perishable food, toiletries and bedding are some of the items Ian Pert, Ronnie Russell and Jim Hunter will be filling their hired van with to take to the Syria-Turkey border on February 6.

Although the three men have personally put funds towards the project, they have set up a Just Giving page with the target of raising £3,000 to help cover ferry and diesel costs.

Ronnie said: ’After our trip to Romania last year, where we helped poor villages, we thought we should try and help another cause.

’It was Jim’s idea that we should consider helping displaced, refugee children in Syria and to Ian and I, it was a no-brainer.

’Again, like last year, it was inspired by Joey Dunlop’s van trips to the Balkans.

’We’re collecting mainly clothing for children, food and maybe stationery for their makeshift schools. We’re also trying to raise money for many charities and causes.

’Jim, Ian and myself are "bikers" with Jim being a travelling marshal, Ian runs an outdoor club for young persons and his club is very involved in racing.

’I am a partner in a Classic Racing Team. Jim and I used to race and Ian still does.

’For the first leg of the trip to Sarajevo, Bosnia, we have Kirsty Russell who is Ronnie’s daughter helping with the driving before picking Jim up in Sofia, Bulgaria.’

The team, who are well used to the road, will endure a long journey that will take them through 12 countries.

Their route will take them from the UK through to France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, until they eventually make it to their destination at the Syria-Turkey border. In total, the team will cover almost 3,000 miles.

Jim said: ’We want to show them that people in the motorcycling community care and think about them.

’In an ideal world we will be able to raise more than what is required to just cover costs, in which case we will donate all monies received to Kings College London, UK Air Ambulance Rescue Services, Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund, Auto Cycle Union (ACU) Benevolent Fund Isle of Man and the Manx Grand Prix Supporters Club.

’My son, Jack, was involved in a serious road traffic accident in March 2017. He survived, thanks to the brilliance of the air ambulance service and the amazing staff at King’s College Hospital.

’Hopefully as part of this effort we can give a little back to them and other amazing motorcycling charities here on the island.’

Ronnie continued: ’We would like to give a big thanks to Mylchreests Motors who are supporting us with a hire van. Without them, we wouldn’t be going. Shoprite who currently have trolleys out in their stores collecting food and of course all the individuals who have and will be helping and donating goods and charity money.’

Currently more than £1,000 has been donated through their Just Giving page, which you can view by searching www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vantriptosyria