News

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company staff have raised more than £1,600 for Macmillan Cancer Support in the last month through three coffee mornings and a sponsored hair shave.

Passenger Services Assistant Beverley Cowan raised a fantastic £915 in sponsorship through letting her Dad shave her hair. Her dad was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Stage 4 – a brain cancer – followed by lung cancer in 2018.

Bev explained: ‘My dad has fought courageously every step of the way, with complete dignity and positivity. I am rather fond of my hair, but I did this for him; to show him how proud I am to call him my Dad! I also lost a cousin and an auntie to this horrible disease recently, so all money raised is being donated to this fantastic cause.

‘I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response and support I’ve received from my colleagues at the Steam Packet Company. I can’t thank them enough for helping to get the word out there about ‘Brave the Shave’ and their generous donations – it is truly heart-warming.’

In support of Macmillan’s ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ event on Friday 27th September, staff arranged three separate cake bake and sale events: for staff at Steam Packet Company headquarters in Douglas, and for members of the public at the Sea Terminal in Douglas and the departure lounge at Liverpool Terminal, raising a grand total of £738.

Cakes and bakes were judged and then sold - Chief accountant Damian O’Toole baked the winning entry – a courgette and cardamom cake – with courgettes grown in his own garden!

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Huge congratulations to Bev for her hair-raising fundraising efforts and to all the staff and members of the public for their participation in and support of the events. Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning raises tens of millions of pounds every year to help fund the charity’s vital cancer support services, and we’re very pleased to get involved.

‘All the money raised enables the wonderful Macmillan nurses to take the time to understand those suffering from cancer, providing the support, tools and inspiration, because everyone’s cancer journey is unique. It will also allow more research to understand the needs and experiences of people affected by cancer, and to develop and influence better care and services.’