Former Superbike racer and ex island resident James Toseland and his wife, singer Katie Melua were in the island recently to support the charity Manx Cancer Help.
The couple was there to support an event at the Manx Museum in which the charity was promoting what it can offer and its plans for the coming year.
Andrea Chambers from the charity said: ‘The idea behind having our patrons James Toseland and Katie Melua there was to host an event which was attended by health professionals, MHKs and members of the business community to publicise what we do as a charity.’
She added there had been a rise in the number of referrals to the charity and they had reacted to this by increasing their team of qualified therapists.
‘This has resulted in an increase in the need for funding to support the service as we are totally finded by public donation at present so the aim is of the evening was twofold, to raise awareness of the level of service we are providing and also of the need for consistent funding to provide somne security for the future,’ she said.
At the presentation, Professor Robin Davidson spoke of the increasing need for timely psychological interventions to support cancer patients and their families.
There was also a presentation from clinical psychologist Dr Lottie Morris, who highlighted the type of support patients required. Psychotherapist Sandra Bann gave a presentation from the carers’ point of view. Carers represent around 40 per cent of the charity’s clients.
The audience was told how much the charity had grown and the need for increased funding was highlighted. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session then refreshments. A cheque representing a donation from SMP Partners was presented. Patrons James and Katie, who had come to the island specially to support the event, also chatted to visitors.