Staff and volunteers from the Isle of Man Live At Home Schemes charity raised funds at Tesco on Friday with a TT-themed walking challenge.

From 9am to 6pm they walked on a treadmill with the aim of completing the 37.73 mile distance of the TT Mountain Course.

Shoppers and supporters who visited the store were able to see the walkers’ progress on a map of the Mountain Course made by the Northern Men In Sheds group.

In addition, the endurance challenge was ideal training for the six members of the Live At Home Schemes team who are preparing to take part in the Manx Telecom Parish Walk on June 17 to raise even more funds.

Jo Dixon, from Isle of Man Live At Home Schemes, thanked colleagues who took part in the challenge, the many supporters who made donations and offered encouragement, and the Northern Men In Sheds group for making the TT course themed map.

She added: ’It was a great day and the response we had from the public was fantastic. The event has raised £1,016 so far - but donations can still be made at www.justgiving/liveat-home.’

Around 700 older people are members of the Western, Northern, Onchan, Douglas, Laxey and Lonan Live At Home Schemes, and the Northern Men in Sheds group which is also run by the charity.

Thanks to a team of 12 staff and around 500 volunteers, the schemes provide a range of services including regular social groups, lunch clubs, film clubs, shopping clubs and men’s groups, all with transport provided.

They also offer guidance on how older people can access other support services, and run befriending initiatives in which volunteers make regular visits to an older person, providing friendship and company.

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