In a world where independent bookshops are supposedly closing each week, The Bridge Bookshop in Port Erin is actually expanding and opening another shop in Ramsey.

The bookshop is not bucking a trend said owner Harry Pickard. ‘Bookshops are opening, It’s a myth they are closing. The printed book is making a come back.

‘We also sell art materials and sheet music, and publishers are raising their game with the design of the cover, they are also using lovely paper and binding; it is a thing of physical beauty.’

He added: ‘E-readers are not a replacement (to readers of printed books), it’s a different way of accessing books.’

The decision to open in Parliament Street - from December 1 - was made when they heard St Paul’s Bookshop was closing after 40 years.

Harry and his wife Angela took over running the little shop (with a big heart) in 2009 when Harry’s mum Rosemary died.

With Harry still working as a financial advisor, the shop was managed by Angela, who has focused on continuing the high quality service Rosemary established and in recent years has been very involved in the Manx Litfest.

Harry will leave the finance sector – after 22 years – and he and Angela will interchange between running the two stores.

He said of his mum, ‘I think she would be delighted. In the 1970s and 1980s, we had a branch in Castletown, so it’s in that tradition. Dad (Alan) used to teach at Ramsey grammar. We are trying to keep the same feeling. Buy local and the level of service she started and we continue. We hope we’ll get a lot of support from locals.’

Given the Port Erin shop, perched on the beach, has thrived since Harry’s parents bought it in 1972, despite various economic and climatic challenges, he thinks it bodes well for the high street location. ‘If we managed in Port Erin by the sea and not in the main shopping street, we will do OK. It’s loving books and we do.’

And in the back of the new shop there is a photograph of Rosemary, ‘so she is still there’.

On Saturday, November 26 at 3pm Ray Kelly will sign his book ‘Manx Tholtans Volume 1’ priced £19.95. Both are published by Lily Publications.

A number of vehicles were scratched in Douglas between late afternoon on Friday and Saturday morning.

The incidents took place in Mona Terrace - and police want anyone with information to come forward.

Contact Constable Hoy at police headquarters on 631212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

I was watching the adverts on the telly the other night, in between short pieces of programme, and noticed advertisers are starting to drop hints about ‘you know what’.

Christmas on the telly begins in September. If you order your new three piece suite now delivery before Christmas is guaranteed.

Some folk of a certain vintage (me) are inclined to view the perceived excesses of a modern Christmas with a critical eye when compared with a Christmas of say 65 years ago.

But we fall into a predictable trap. It’s only possible to compare like-with-like, and social and lifestyle conditions in 2016 bear no resemblance to the life that we led in 1950. Take for example, children’s toys. You can have an intelligent debate about the differences between an X Box 7 and an X Box 8 but you cannot compare an X Box 7 with a Beano Annual or a game of Snakes and Ladders.

We had no spare cash to spend on what today would be called luxuries but it didn’t matter anyway as there were very few available. The after effects of World War Two were still being felt and although some things were not actually still on ration they could be hard to find.

And this was not just foodstuffs and clothing. The Christmas toy selection was not only small, in today’s terms, most things would be classed as most definitely politically incorrect.

On a typical Christmas day in Pully, little boys dressed in cowboy suits and armed to the teeth with cap guns would be chasing other little boys dressed in Red Indian costumes and armed to the teeth with bows and arrows.

Their little sisters would be showing off their nice new nurses’ uniforms to their friends, who would be showing off their new dolls tucked up in their nice new dolls’ prams. Try getting away with any of that today. No chance.

The only real way to compare then with now is to compare the actual value of our spending power. We’ll use the X Box and Beano Annual as examples. Now from what I understand, a typical X Box or similar electronic toy will set you back about £250.

Taking an average wage to be £500 we can say that it takes half a week to buy an X Box. And if an average weekly wage in 1950 was £7 and the Beano Christmas Annual was two shillings and sixpence, for half a week’s wages you could have bought 28 Beano Annuals. All of which proves absolutely nothing.

But imagine the look on the face of the child who was expecting an X Box when he unwrapped his Beano Book.

I suppose there will be more than a few parents who are worrying about the cost of Christmas. The reason for celebration has been hijacked by the shopkeepers, the three piece suite makers, and Bernard Matthews.

The travel agents advertise trips to Lapland to see where Santa Claus lives but not to Bethlehem to see the Stable where Jesus was born.

I remember a few years ago when we were on holiday in Cyprus, we went on one of those mini cruises to the Holy Land.

When we arrived in Bethlehem our first stop was at Lamas Brothers’ gift shop, where we stayed for an hour, before moving on to Christ’s birthplace, where we had 20 minutes.

Shopkeepers may get blamed for hijacking Christmas but the fact is they are just taking advantage of what is happening worldwide.

The availability of credit. Buy now, worry later. Your flexible friend is all you need.

We were brought up to save up. If there was something you wanted you used cash, not credit, to get it. But now the whole of the world economy is built on debt.

Have you seen the new English fivers? There is a line of very small print that reads: ‘I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of five pounds.’

Can anyone tell me what that actually means?

Ex-Isle Film Agency are looking to cast hundreds of extras for Where Hands Touch, a World War Two film set in Germany.

Directing the film is Amma Asante, who was last in the island in 2013 shooting the critically acclaimed and award-winning film Belle.

She’s joined by veteran producer Charlie Hanson and Oscar nominated cinematographer Remi Adefarasin on the project which is scheduled to start shooting in the island from December 1 to 18.

An agency spokesman explained: ‘The scenes being filmed on the island are set in a World War II German displacement camp.

‘We are in particular looking for extremely slim people and very dark haired Mediterranean types (age group six to 70s) as well as Eastern European people and Germanic types who could be soldiers. (age group 16 to 60s).’

Casting sessions take place next weekend (November 5 and 6) around the island.

November 5: Loch Promenade Methodist Church basement, Douglas, 1pm to 5pm; Port St Mary town hall west room, 1pm to 6pm.

November 6: Corrin Hall, Peel, 2pm to 6pm; Ramsey town hall, rear entrance, midday to 4pm.

Anyone who can’t make the castings is asked to register online at www.ex-isle.com

For more information contact Bev at bev@ex-isle.com

Keep up to date by visiting the Ex-Isle Casting Facebook page or website.

A model from the Isle of Man has recently featured in a photoshoot for Vogue Magazine.

Connor Askin, 21, from Union Mills, started modelling after he was scouted by modelling company, FM Models, at Leeds Festival in 2014.

He said: ‘I really didn’t want it or to chase it to begin with, it was my mum who forced me to go and see them in London.

‘After I did the shoot, I got signed. Then, even for a year after, I still hated it.’

He added: ‘It’s all down to my mum and girlfriend at the time, for pushing me and putting up with my moaning.’

The Vogue photoshoot was in collaboration with Harvey Nichols and took place at their store in London on Sunday. The photos will appear online on November 21.

The shoot was based around the short story of a shop assistant, played by Connor, who falls inlove with an Italian lady, before she kisses him, leaving him stunned, as she robs the shop.

Although Connor does enjoy the lifestyle of being a model, he also understands that there are some negative parts of the industry – he had previously been told by a French modelling agency that he wasn’t skinny enough to take part in Paris Fashion Week.

‘It’s awful,’ he revealed. ‘I know someone who has started a petition against skinny models and writes to companies who promote [images of] unhealthily skinny people.

‘I feel that modelling is not a healthy thing to do, the obsession with self image is definitely dumb.

‘I don’t mind the job, but it has made me see the industry in a different light.

‘A lot of models I’ve met tend to be depressed because it doesn’t offer any real purpose.’

He added: ‘People also tend to misjudge you and think you are something that you’re not just because of the job.’

Connor has worked for a number of different modelling companies, such as Dominique, The Squad and Modelwerk, Gieves and Hawkes, and now top of the list is Vogue.

He said: ‘It was super amazing because it’s the first time I’ve had to act and I really enjoyed playing the part of the assistant who is nervous and clumsy around a pretty girl.’

The Manx model does understand he is very fortunate for his job.

He said: ‘The reason I model is because it provides amazing places to travel to, and I can see parts of the world while making money.

‘I can’t go to university and I don’t know what it is I want to do.

‘Another reason why I do it is my mum and dad who are super proud and it makes me feel really happy to know they are proud, even if I don’t agree with the industry.’

Castletown Cricket Club has extended its sponsorship agreement with island-based international eGaming firm Newfield.

After a successful first two years for the partnership, which began in 2015, it has been confirmed the deal will now continue throughout the 2017 season.

Colin Jackson, chairman of Castletown Cricket Club said: ‘We are pleased to be able to announce an extended and enhanced new agreement with Newfield as title sponsor which will provide much-needed funds to continue the development of the six senior and junior Castletown sides.

‘We rely on securing support from the local business community to continue to develop cricket in Castletown and the type of support provided by Newfield is essential in the development of the club.’

The club will continue to be named Newfield Castletown Cricket Club and in addition to the juniors’ shirt carrying the Newfield logo, new adult shirts bearing the logo will be ready for the 2017 season.

Newfield Castletown Cricket Club, which was one of the founding cricket clubs in the island, competes in the Isle of Man Premier League.

It has two successful senior teams, as well as running four junior teams ensuring plenty of opportunities for younger players to get involved.

Newfield director Denis Mikan said: ‘As a company, Newfield is very passionate about supporting the local community and helping people to develop.

‘We therefore are always keen to back local groups which match the company’s ambitions and values of determination, commitment and pursuit of excellence.

‘Castletown Cricket Club is a shining example of a group which is dedicated to developing sport and supporting community involvement across the generations in the island and which is keen to develop and succeed as a team.

‘We are delighted to be continuing our title sponsorship for another season.’

l Log on to iomtoday.co.im/sport for the latest sport.

Neil Morris from Manx Bird Life will be the speaker at the Manx Ornithological Society’s next indoor meeting.

It takes place at Union Mills church hall on Tuesday (November 1) from 7.15pm All are welcome.

Neil’s talk is entitled ‘Extreme Birds of Man’ and will be a light-hearted look at some of the amazing facts and feats of birds in the island.

The society welcomes birdwatchers of all ages and during the summer there are outdoor events with experts on hand to help with identification. Email jthompson@manx.net

The Microgaming Health and Care Trust has made a donation to Noble’s Hospital for the establishment of a laparoscopic simulator lab at its medical education and clinical skills centre.

Located at Keyll Darree, the medical education and clinical skills centre is used for training doctors in a variety of medical procedures, including the replication of skilled and emergency surgery.

The £930,000 centre, which was supported by the Microgaming Health and Care Trust, opened in February 2015.

Looking to extend the facilities available at the centre, Noble’s Hospital proposed the installation of two laparoscopy simulator units and additional equipment designed for use with these units, to enable trainee doctors to develop a range of laparoscopic skills. They approached the trust for support.

Dr Roy Clague, trustee of the Microgaming Health and Care Trust, said: ‘Supporting the proposal for a laparoscopic simulation lab was an easy decision to make. In the future, experience of both practising and teaching laparoscopic skills will be integral to the training of those interested in a surgical career. The lab will not only develop and improve on-island skills in this highly specialised practice, it will also help to encourage junior doctors of the future to train on the island.’

Laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ camera surgery is being increasingly used in hospitals because of the significant benefits minimally invasive procedures bring. Reduced pain and smaller scarring generally leads to a faster recovery time for patients, while still achieving the same outcome as traditional ‘open’ surgery - sometimes even better.

Mr GD Tebala, consultant gastrointestinal and laparoscopic surgeon at the hospital, said: ‘Since its opening, the medical education and clinical skills centre has been a great benefit, improving doctors’ skills in a variety of medical areas. To be adding facilities for laparoscopic surgical training is integral for current doctors and our next generation, and we thank the Microgaming Health & Care Trust for making this happen.’

The donation of £7,500 will fund the purchase and installation of three laparoscopic simulator units, plus other equipment needed to support their functioning.

Entries close next week for the Diocese of Sodor and Man heat of the annual Cranmer Awards.

The competition, which is run by The Prayer Book Society sees youngsters read or recite a passage of their choice from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

It takes place at St George’s Church, in Douglas, on Saturday, November 12, with sections for juniors (under 11 years), intermediates (11 to 14) and seniors (15 to 18).

Entries in the junior section are expected to speak for three minutes while those in the older sections should speak for three to five minutes.

The winners of the intermediate and senior sections will be eligible to take part in the British Isles-wide finals, taking place at The Old Palace, in Worcester on February 25, 2017. For that, passages must be presented from memory.

Chairing the judging panel for the island heat will be Michael Hoy MBE.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday next week (November 1).

Entry forms should be sent to Mrs Gill Qualtrough, Dudley Mount, Douglas Road, Castletown, IM9 1TH or by email to gill.qualtrough@manx.net

Contact Gill on 824303 or 437066.

The Prayer Book Society aims to promote the continued use of the Prayer Book and the worship of the Church of England.

Jon Wornham’s book of aerial photographs aims to provide a new perspective on the familiar as well as reveal some unsuspected hidden corners.

Mann with Altitude, published by Loaghtan Books, features 57 images taken from the air, running clockwise around the coast from the Point of Ayre with various visits inland.

They were taken from the start of 2015 to the start of this summer using a DJI Phantom drone.

Jon, a former air traffic controller, said: ‘It’s quite easy to fly but takes a lot of practice to fly it well and it helps to be a photographer to get the best out of it.’

He said he loves the different views of the island that aerial photography gives.

‘Using the drone I can capture pictures that would be impossible to take from anything other than a helicopter,’ he said.

Jon urged others with drones to make sure they follow the flying regulations that are in place. They include that the drone must be kept within sight at all times; must not be flown above 400 feet; and must not be flown within three miles of Ronaldsway airport without permission of air traffic control.

Mann with Altitude has a RRP of £5.95 and is available now from bookshops and gift shops across the island.

It’s the latest in Loaghtan Books’ occasional ‘Hoofprint’ series of small, colourful booklets providing brief information about popular subjects.

The annual lecture hosted by Isle of Man Sport will feature a talk about mind management techniques promoted by best-selling author Professor Steve Peters.

Leonie Lightfoot will be sharing the ideas from Professor Peters’ book, The Chimp Paradox, which offers athletes and sports people advice on mind management to help them reach their full potential.

Trevor Christian, sports coaching co-ordinator for Isle of Man Sport, said: ‘Giving too much weight to thoughts and emotions can inhibit achievement in all areas of life, including sport.

‘The lecture will provide individuals, teams and coaches the chance to learn how this highly-acclaimed technique can boost performances.’

Mrs Lightfoot is a psychological skills mentor at Chimp Management Ltd, which was established and is still headed by Professor Peters.

She has also gained a masters degree in sport and exercise psychology and is a British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences-accredited sport scientist.

Using the chimp model, Mrs Lightfoot supports athletes, coaches and teams to manage their emotions, and aid their development.

Professor Peters has worked with top level athletes – including Team Sky cycling, the England and Liverpool football squads and five-times world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan – and has been thoroughly praised for his work, selling 500,000 copies of his book.

The lecture is supported by the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association.

Leonie Cooil, chef de mission for Team Isle of Man, said: ‘Chimp management is an important tool to help athletes and coaches to reach their potential.

‘This lecture will assist athletes preparing for Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas next year and the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018, as well as those in other sports.’

The lecture is taking place at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas on November 25 at 7pm.

Tickets are available from www.villagaiety.com and are free.

The morning after the lecture, Mrs Lightfoot will also host a follow-up workshop for coaches at the Sport Institute at the NSC.

The workshop will talk more about mind management techniques, and will help coaches understand their athletes and explore ways to work effectively with them.

Email trevor.christian@gov.im for applications to attend. Places cost £25.

A spectacular pyrotechnic display coupled with a successful fundraiser for the disabled – these are the two main objectives for this year’s firework display in Douglas.

Favourable tides mean this year’s event can be fired from the beach on November 5.

Any funds raised by the display will support Sophie’s Lodge, a disability-friendly lodge at the Glen Wyllin camp site in memory of 13-year-old Sophie Birtles who loved the spot, but died earlier this year from juvenile Sandhoff disease.

Councillor Stephen Pitts, chairman of the council’s regeneration and community committee, said: ‘This is a hugely popular event, thanks to generous sponsorship from Celton Manx and the hard work of council staff.’

Events kick off at 7.30pm when Douglas mayor Councillor John Skinner will judge the best guy competition with prizes of £100, £50 and £25 to be won.

At 7.45pm the fireworks display, set to music, will start and the bonfire will be lit shortly afterwards. There will be food stalls near the War Memorial.

Parking will be suspended from 3pm until 9.30pm on Harris Promenade, east side, but there will be free parking in Chester Street car park,

A 27-year-old Jurby woman died yesterday evening (Sunday) after the car she was driving crashed on the main road at Churchtown, Lezayre.

The one-vehicle incident happened at around 6.30pm as the car travelled in a southerly direction. Police describe the location as ‘close to the junction with the Churchtown Loop Road’.

Two children being carried in the car received minor injuries but were taken to hospital where they remain for observations.

Senior investigating officer Inspector Derek Flint said; ‘This collision was attended by all three emergency services but sadly there was nothing that could be done for the young lady who had lost her life.

‘The vehicle involved was a black Vauxhall Astra hatchback and I’d like to ask anyone who may have seen the vehicle driving in the north of the island earlier to call us at police headquarters on 631212. We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances at this time.

‘I’d also like drivers to pay heed to some advisory signs that have been placed out overnight. These are concerning some issues we discovered with a newly laid road surface, rather than anything directly to do with the collision this evening.

‘The Department of Infrastructure are addressing these matters, and I’d ask people to take care in the area while work is carried out.’

Castletown’s Jonathan Rea secured his second FIM Superbike World Championship in succession thanks to a second place finish in Saturday’s opening WSBK race at Losail in Qatar.

Rea, who had won his eighth career Superpole contest earlier in the day to start from the best grid spot, was intent on winning the 17-lap race to secure the title as he enjoyed a large points cushion of 48 over Kawasaki Racing team-mate Sykes at the start of the day. Tom was the only rider who could possibly catch Jonathan on this final weekend of the 13 round season, but the title was decided one race before the end after Rea’s podium ride.

Rea is one of only four riders to have won WorldSBK titles from one year to the next, joining Carl Fogarty (twice), Doug Polen and Fred Merkel in that exclusive club.

In race one at the 5.380km Losail circuit Rea had chased eventual race winner Chaz Davies in the early laps and held station behind him for some time. Jonathan eventually eased off to earn more than enough points to make his second championship secure.

Sykes could not make his optimum pace in the early laps on fresh tyres but towards the end he made up ground and went from fifth to fourth by passing Nicky Hayden on the last lap and closing in on eventual final place podium man, Sylvain Guintoli.

Rea said: ‘It is incredible to have won back-to-back championships. It is very raw right now because I have not had time to take it in, but to have such a year like I had last year - and then this year with the new bike - I think we faced a lot more challenges this time.

‘I am really happy and proud of our work because this bike was so new. To win in the first year of a new model is incredible and I want to thank Kawasaki for building such a good base bike. I expect to go from strength to strength. It felt like we really had to win the championship this time so I have to thank everybody all around me in the team. I want to thank each and every one of them.’

Rea finished third in Sunday’s race which was again won by Davies. Sykes came home second to ensure to Kawasaki pair finished one-two in the championship standings.

Peel secured a place in December’s Cu-Plas Railway Cup semi-finals on Saturday evening, with a convincing 9-2 win over Ramsey.

The day’s earlier results meant that the westerners went into the game at the Bowl knowing three points would see them join St George’s and St Mary’s in the draw for the cup semis.

Steve Falconer’s men took a two-goal lead into the break thanks to first-half strikes from Kerron Christian and Ashley Webster.

Webster went on the rampage against his former club in the second period, netting another five goals to take his tally for the Canada Life Premier League season to 18 goals.

Joining him on the second-half scoresheet were Christian and susbtitute Billy Kennaugh, the latter netting his maiden first-team goal.

At the other end of the scale ever-green Daniel Lace made his 700th appearance for the Douglas Road club.

The 38-year-old created three of Webster’s goals in what was his 588th first-team game.

Jamie Moffatt and Jabrane Moutique scored Ramsey’s consolations.

Rushen and Corinthians are the only two teams still in contention for the final Railway Cup spot.

Rushen currently sit in fourth spot, but will be pipped to the place if Corinthians secure three points from their final two rearranged games against Union Mills and St Mary’s. The Whites travel to the Millers on Saturday.

A Peel man has been convicted of driving without due care or attention.

Kieran Bernard Baxter, aged 28, of Christian Street, will be sentenced on November 1 after pleading guilty to the offence.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on July 6 at 9.30pm, police were called to Poortown Road in Peel after a report of an accident.

Police arrived from the direction of the TT course and just after a corner in the road saw that a wall had been hit with rubble on the ground.

A speed limit sign indicating that the zone was a de-restricted zone was halfway down a field.

Baxter’s car had its rear window smashed and front nearside wheel ripped outwards. Scrape damage suggested the car had rolled on its side at one point.

The road was half-blocked by the car.

Baxter was at the scene and told police in an interview that he had been careless and admitted causing the accident.

He said that he had been going around the corner when turbo had engaged and he had lost control, hitting the wall.

The car had spun and flipped on its side ending up on the other side of the road.

A vehicle examiner confirmed that the car had no faults.

Defence advocate Darren Taubitz said: ‘My client had been travelling from the gym to Peel. The road was damp as it had just been raining.

‘He accelerated while still negotiating the corner and the turbo engaged . It was a momentary lapse of concentration. The loss of his licence would result in the loss of his job. He drives a van for the company he works for.’

The case was adjourned to allow Baxter time to obtain a letter from his employer and any other references he can to persuade the court against disqualification.

Ramsey Commissioners have welcomed plans for the former Albert Road School site.

Wardsley Ltd is seeking permission to build a three-storey, multi-purpose building containing a coffee shop and shops on the ground floor, office accommodation on the first floor, four flats on the second floor plus three town houses in an adjacent block.

Ten parking spaces are featured in the plans, including one space for disabled parking dedicated to the coffee shop. One space is designated for each of the flats and one space and garage parking for each of the town houses.

Parking for the proposed offices, if required, would be taken up by the possibility of reserved parking spaces within the adjacent public car park.

Bill Hankin and Pat Ayres voiced concerns about the loss of parking to the town, but Luke Parker pointed out: ‘It’s not ours but they are meeting us halfway.’

Ownership was confirmed by chief technical officer Steve Harrison, who explained that that the site was owned by the Department of Education and Children, which had allowed it to be used as a public car park until such time as the site was re-developed.

Speaking after the meeting, board member Eric Corkish said: ‘Certain members are hell bent on stopping any development in Ramsey. This site, which we do not own, is zoned for development.

‘It was never going to be a permanent car park.

‘One member implied that he would prefer parking spaces than development in the town.

‘He needs to realise Ramsey is more than parks and gardens and wake up to the fact that Ramsey needs development like this one to make it a place to come to for shopping, while the offices will bring jobs to the town’

Rolls of roofing felt have been stolen from a building site on the main road leading from St Mark’s to Ballasalla.

Four or five one-metre long rolls of felt were taken and damage has beencaused to the building itself between 4pm on Friday, October 28 and 9.30am on Saturday, October 29.

Police are interested in identifying any vehicles parked in the lay-by next to Mullinaragher Road during the relevant times.

Anybody who has information should contact police headquarters on 631212.

The woman who died in a road accident last night has been named.

She was Laura Kinrade, aged 27 years old, of Jurby.

She leaves two young children.

Inspector Derek Flint, who is the senior investigating officer for the collision said: ‘During the course of the day we have continued with our inquiries, and have met with members of Laura’s family.

‘We have had several helpful calls from members of the public which are starting to build a picture of what occurred. We have revisited the scene and were moved to see several tributes laid there, to a young lady who was clearly much loved and will be missed by many.

‘We’d like to continue our appeal for information. If you think you have anything that might help then call us at police headquarters on 631212, and leave a message for PC Pete Dyer of the roads policing unit.’

Our report from earlier today

The family of a liver transplant patient have raised tens of thousands of pounds for a hospital life support machine in her memory.

Ann Fox died in November 2014, just days after a fund-raising ball at the Empress Hotel in Douglas she and her husband Tony helped organise in aid of the Queen Elizabath Hospital Birmingham’s Liver Foundation Appeal.

With the unstinting support of the late Brian Keenan at the Empress, a second ball was held on the first anniversary of Ann’s death and a third in October this year.

A St Patrick’s Night Shenanigans was organised earlier this year and there was a tombola to ‘Step away with a Stepway’, with the winner taking home a brand new Dacia Stepway fully road taxed.

This week, the lucky winner, Carmella Mckay, was invited to the Empress to collect her prize.

Ann’s daughter Andrea said: ‘In April of 2014 my mum was the very fortunate recipient of a new liver. She had spent 30 years anticipating the possibility that one day this may be her only option after being diagnosed with an Auto Immune disease that attacked and destroyed her own liver.

‘Less than 14 days after her transplant mum came home. She wanted to give something back to the system that had helped her by ensuring that others would have the same opportunity she had had.’

Her aim was to support the purchase of a normothermic perfusion machine that essentially act as a life support machine for liver, kidney, pancreas and lungs.

Andrea said: ‘Mum set about organising an Autumn Ball with plans to party til’ midnight and spectacularly raise the roof and a tonne of money in the process.

‘Unfortunately she took sick less than four weeks before the clock struck 12. She insisted that the show must go on, and so in her absence we had a Ball. She lay in an induced coma in the critical care unit in Birmingham whilst we recounted her journey with the supporters at our event. Mum died three days later.’

Andrea added: ‘It would have been easy to be angry, and it would have been easy to forget our fundraising efforts, but mum raised £26,000 at her first event, a downpayment on the £100,000 needed to buy the machine.

‘We had a tower of motivation and encouragement behind us in the shape of Brian Keenan from the Empress. It was an effort to continue in the absence of the two captains of our ship, mum and Brian. However we couldn’t see all our efforts in vain.

‘To date we have given back £46,000 and hope that following the final calculations we will be able to add £20,000 to this total.

‘We have so many people to thank - David Mason from the Empress and his staff, all our independent supporters who have given time and equipment, and all the people of the Isle of Man who have stopped to give money and talk about their own experiences at the QEHB.

‘As an island community you have done us proud!’