Joey Dunlop Foundation aiming to expand

The Isle of Man-based charity, set up in honour of the legendary Ulster road racer, provides holiday apartments for people with a disability.

Accommodation was full last year during June, July and August and the JDF is now aiming to expand.

“Over the past five years, Joey’s charity has seen a steady increase in the number of visitors staying at our disabled friendly holiday apartments and with virtually 100 per cent occupancy during June, July and August, it a was clear indicator that we needed to expand,” said JDF chairman Kevin Quirk.

“With many guests describing our apartments as the best in Britain, we are determined that additional apartments will continue to be equipped to the highest standards.

“After a successful year’s fundraising, we have had many meetings with our architect and building contractor and fingers crossed we are close to starting the construction of the additional apartments, which result in capacity increasing by eight to 20,” he added.

“Our tombola is a significant income earner and I wish to thank Clive Padgett for supporting the charity.”

Eleven-time Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson attended the charity’s recent annual dinner and made the draw for the winning ticket for the top prize of a replica Padgetts Honda CBR6000RR.

Manxman Conor Cummins was also in attendance and announced the prizes for the charity’s 2016 tombola, with a Honda CBR600RR in the yellow and black livery of the Joey’s Bar race team up for grabs to one lucky winner.

Second prize will be a Padgetts paddock scooter with a JDF Mini-Moto machine the third prize on offer this year.

Tombola tickets can be purchased via the charity’s online shop at www.joeydunlopfoundation.com or at race events this year including the North West 200, TT and Ulster Grand Prix.

The News Letter has also been a long-time supporter of the Joey Dunlop Foundation since 2002, raising thousands of pounds through sales of the paper at the TT, Southern 100 and Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix.

Raymond O’Hara, News Letter Sales Manager, said: “Last year, we handed over a cheque for £823.30 and over the last 14 years have raised several thousand pounds for the Joey Dunlop Foundation.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Kevin Quirk and the Joey Dunlop Foundation to support this commendable cause and we thank all our readers and supporters for their continued support over the years.”

Anyone requiring further information regarding the Joey Dunlop Foundation can visit the official website at www.joeydunlopfoundation.com or contact Kevin Quirk on 01624 677741.