The total amount raised for local charities through the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club is poised to break through the ?30,000 mark this year. Since the Club was established in 2006, ?28,000 has been raised for a range of local charities, all of which are chosen by HSBC, sponsors of the Club. Last year, four events featuring Steve Davis, Lawrence Dallaglio, Sir Ian Botham and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson raised over ?6,700 for four local charities – the Ark Nursery, the White Rose Trust, Age Concern, and the Douglas Mayoral Charity. With the next event on 3rd February featuring stars of the England 1966 World Cup team, Gordon Banks, Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles, already sold out, the success of the Club and the benefits for local charities this year looks set to continue. The following event will take place on 28th April 2011 and feature Gulf War hero John Peters, who will give an dramatic account of his experiences during Operation Desert Storm. John was part of the crew of a British Tornado that was shot down on the first day of the Gulf War in 1991 over Iraqi territory. He was subjected to a seven-week ordeal of torture and interrogation and was forcibly shown on Iraqi television. John’s talk will focus on how he coped with the physical and mental pressure inflicted on him and how he overcame seemingly impossible odds. As well as having been the sole reader representing the British Armed Forces at the National Gulf Memorial Service and presented the Sir James Martin Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society, John has written two best-selling books whilst his documentary ‘Tornado Down’ was Independent Documentary of the Year and a BAFTA Award Nominee. John spent 18 years in the RAF and, since leaving the RAF, has established a management development company, UPH Ltd, whose clients include the NHS and The Cabinet Office and is Chair on the International Management Board of the Association of MBA’s. He is married to Helen and has two children. Kevin Cartledge, Senior Manager at HSBC, said: “I am delighted that HSBC has continued to support the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club this year. The significant funds raised through these events are making a real difference to the local charities we have nominated over the past five years. I’m looking forward to raising even more for deserving causes this year, through the fantastic programme the Club has put together.” John Wannenburgh of the Sporting and Dining Club, added: “The event with John Peters in April promises to be an extraordinary one, particularly given the added poignancy that recently, on 19th January, it was the 20th anniversary of the first Gulf War. His dramatic story will undoubtedly be an inspirational one. His innate sense of humour and superb timing, however, will ensure the audience sees the funny and lighter side of his experience too.” The event on 28th April will take place at the Mount Murray Hotel & Country Club in Santon. For ticket availability, please contact John Wannenburgh on 07624 495749. Ticket price for members is ?60.00 and ?70.00 for non-members, subject to availability. Ends.