A jazz musician is to travel to the Isle of Man on a bicycle with a keyboard strapped to his back to raise money for charity.
Mike Hatchard planned the bicycle tour of Britain, starting at Land’s End and finishing at John O’Groats, to mark his 60th birthday.
It had been a lifelong ambition and Mike decided it was also an opportunity to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
Mike has been able to include the Isle of Man in his tour and will visit on July 30.
Mike worked as a musical director for Matt Monro and has a background in jazz and classical music.
He will perform two jazz concerts at the Noble’s Park cafe on July 30, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, and there will be an opportunity to donate money to Children in Need at both.
Full details will be announced soon.
Mike said: ‘I have always wanted to visit the Isle of Man so when I started planning my tour I decided it was somewhere I had to include. I hope to raise as much as possible for Children in Need and I really appreciate the Steam Packet Company assisting with my travel costs because it means the money I collect can go towards supporting the charity.
‘I am also hoping to collect funds to help with the production of my new album which will be sold to raise more money for Children in Need. I have asked a few of my friends to join me, including drummer Bobby Worth from the BBC Radio Orchestra, award-winning jazz singer Liane Carroll and Paul Kimber, the bassist for the Royal Opera House.’
Children in Need supports projects and initiatives across the British Isles, including in the Isle of Man, aimed at keeping young people safe and secure, and providing them with opportunities for the future. It is best-known for the annual telethon, but fundraising goes on year-round.
He is being supported on his trip by the Steam Packet whose chief executive, Mark Woodward, said: ‘We are delighted Mike has chosen to come to the Isle of Man as part of his efforts to raise money for charity and pleased we have been able to help.
‘Children in Need does great work with young people, including here in the Isle of Man through support for organisations like Cruse Bereavement Care and Crossroads Care. We welcome the opportunity to support fundraising which has such a positive impact on so many lives.’