Manx outdoor community group gets £30k lottery grant to expand

The club gives people the opportinity to go climbing and gorge walking

An outdoor community group has received a cash boost of £30,000 to help it to continue its expansion.

Manx Adventure & Expo (MA&E) was awarded the Manx Lottery Trust grant to fund training and safety equipment.

The club organises outdoor activities but says increased demand means there is a shortage of kit.

MA&E spokesman Jay Thompson said the grant would help the club "offer an even wider range of inclusive outdoor activities".

Manx Adventure & Expo organises adventure activities across the island

The funding will allow MA&E to buy a trailer and kit for hill walking, climbing, gorge walking and coasteering, alongside a set of sea kayaks to suit people with a range of abilities.

The grant will also support volunteer training in outdoor instruction, which includes outdoor first aid and sea kayaking qualifications.

Mr Thompson said the the funding was "a giant step towards achieving our goal of fostering a deep connection with nature and adventure within our community".

He added it would make sure everyone had the opportunity "to experience the great outdoors".

A new set of kayaks for people with a range of abilities had been funded by the grant

Manx Lottery Trust chairman Stephen Turner said MA&E "embodies the spirit of adventure and inclusivity".

He said the trust was "delighted to play a part in expanding their outdoor activity offering".

"This grant not only bolsters their equipment inventory but also invests in the knowledge and skills of their dedicated volunteers", he added.

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