Just prior to the launch of the Commonwealth Youth Games 2011, the Department of Health’s catering team at Noble’s Hospital presented a cheque for ?535 to the Isle of Man Commonwealth Youth Games 2011 Committee and team members. The Isle of Man’s team represented the Island in the fourth Commonwealth Youth Games which was held in the Isle of Man for the first time, between 7th and 13th September 2011. The catering staff raised the money during the hospital’s annual Manx Food Week held in July 2011, which in the past has seen money raised for Help for Heroes. The fundraising involved selling raffle tickets and holding a ‘Bake Off’. There were a variety of raffle prizes won, including a ‘Smoothie Maker’ kindly donated by Agrimark and a hand held blender, and Robinson’s donated a Wok full of ingredients. The first prize for the raffle was from Kathy Irwin, Greeba Farms, who kindly donated her living display of mushrooms, and Robinson’s and Isle of Man Creameries also donated their displays of produce. Minister for Health, David Anderson said, “I’d like to thank the dedicated individuals at Noble’s Hospital who have again used the hospital’s Manx Food Week to raise money for a worthy cause. I would also like to thank all the suppliers who donated prizes and everyone who baked a cake. I am sure that our Island’s young athletes are grateful for such a generous donation and it was a real pleasure watching them fly the Manx flag at the opening ceremony of the Games.” Andy Pennington, Provisions Manager at Noble’s Hospital added, “I didn’t think the idea to raise money during our annual Manx Food Week would be so very successful. By holding a raffle and cake sale we were able to make it a little bit more fun and with products and great prizes donated by Robinsons, Greeba Mushrooms, Harrison & Garrett Meats, and Agrimark, the whole of the hospital got involved with the fundraising, which was great.” Liz Lillis, Dining Room Supervisor said, “We are delighted to support the Isle of Man team for the Commonwealth Youth Games 2011, which is probably one of the biggest multi sporting events we will ever see on the Island. We hope the money raised helped towards some comforts for the team and spurred them on. It’s an amazing achievement in itself to make it onto the team representing the Island and the catering staff here at Noble’s Hospital were impressed with the Island team’s success in the games. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our suppliers of prizes and as well as staff who kindly donated their monies throughout our fund raising events. Special thanks to our own team who continuously take part in our charity events by buying, baking and donating, making our events a success every time.” The cheque for ?535 was presented to the Isle of Man Commonwealth Youth Games 2011 Committee and team members by the catering team, with the Commonwealth Youth Games’ Mascot, Tosha, which means ‘the first’ in Manx Gaelic, on hand to mark the occasion. - ENDS -