THE Douglas woman who received the MBE for her 30 years as a motorcycle rider welfare volunteer has spoken about the challenges of the role.
Wyn Evans was named in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, for her work as the liaison between race organisers and riders’ families.
She has been closely involved in the Auto Cycle Union and the Manx Motorcycle Club since 1980, and on a voluntary basis she has assisted the race officers, particularly after serious incidents and has provided support and advice to injured riders and to the families of riders who had lost their lives in competitions.
She covers the TT, Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100 and spends many hours, weeks and sometimes many months visiting hospitals after the event.
‘I’m usually up at the grandstand with my own radio, so if there’s an incident I know that it’s happened,’ explained Mrs Evans. ‘I get a list of any injured riders, and I go up to the hospital and check on all the patients.’
She said receiving the call from Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood was quite a shock, and she has been overwhelmed with the reaction since the news of her award was announced.
Wyn said: ‘I’m pleased, because it gives exposure to the great care the island gives to injured riders. It goes on all year round, not just in race weeks. I keep in touch with the families, and if there’s an inquest I go along with them too.’
She said her husband Des is a former competitor, and was a travelling marshall for 32 years. The couple have taken so much enjoyment from the races volunteering is her way of giving something back, and she said she will continue to do it as long as she is physically able to.
‘It can be very hard, especially if it’s a nasty,’ she said.
‘When I first started I decided there was no point me doing the job and trying to help families if I was going to burst into tears. It does upset me, and I do go home and have a cry, especially if it’s lads I know or local lads.’
She added: ‘But I’ve just got to be there to support the families. It’s important for them especially if they’re away from home, they never know what happens next. I’m able to tell them the procedures with the police and inquests.’
Her colleagues have described Wyn as an ‘unsung hero, who is well respected throughout the whole motorcycling community.’
