A team of 11 submariners from HMS Vigilant met up with His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Stan Cain and Mayoress Mrs Sheila Cain while they were visiting the Island as part of their epic fundraising bike ride from their home port of Clyde Naval Base to the Isle of Man, their affiliated Island.

The team set off from their naval base on Tuesday September 8 for a three-day, 240-mile journey which took them through Cumbria and onwards to Heysham where they boarded the ferry for Douglas, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company having provided free return travel.

The 11 sailors were cycling to raise funds for the mayoral charity appeal which this year will benefit Cruse Bereavement Care, the Douglas Live at Home Scheme and St Mary’s Lourdes Youth.

The cyclists also tackled the TT course to raise funds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity.

‘We thought the challenge would be a good team-building event and a chance to reinforce our links with the Isle of Man, said leading engineering technician Ben Venables, one of the team of cyclists taking part. 

‘We have hosted members of the Island’s community in the past and the Mayor wanted to return the favour.’

The Commanding Officer of HMS Vigilant, Commander Dan Martyn, said: ‘HMS Vigilant is proud of our allegiance with the town and the people of the Island.

‘This kind of event would not be possible without the good will and generous support of local businesses; we are especially grateful to the Steam Packet Company for donating the cost of the passage in support of the Mayor’s charities.’

The 11 submariners undertaking the challenge were: Lieutenant Mitch Hunter, Chief Petty Officer Andy Carron, CPO Simon Viney, CPO Mark Bird, Petty Officer Scott Blakeley, LET Sam McCoy, LET Dan Skierka, LET Ben Venables, Leading Hand Gary Tamson, LH Gaz Butler and LH Adam Fitzsimmons.