Last Sunday (10th May) saw a mass outing by Manx Telecom under the banner of their Exchange Challenge.
 

The aim of the charity event was for staff to try and get to as many of the company's ten out-of-town exchanges as possible in one day, without using a car.

Among ninety employees and family members took part in the event, setting off from Manx Telecom headquarters after a rousing send off from the Manx Saxophone Ensemble, who had gathered for an impromptu concert outside the building.

The participants either walked, jogged, cycled, sailed or kayaked to at least one exchange, raising around ?1000 for Sailing for the Disabled and The Hyperbaric Chamber.

Human Resources Supervisor Judith Walker, who helped organise the event, said the Challenge had once again proved a big success: 'We held this for the first time last year and it was great to see so many people turn out again. We’d also like to thank members of the public who offered their support and gave cash donations en route. 

'I’d like to think that this will develop into an annual event,' added Judith.

Cyclists Simon Hampson and Steven Cawley managed to get round all the exchanges - at Marown, St Johns, Castletown, Laxey, Peel, Port Erin, Kirk Michael, Sulby, Ramsey and, last but not least, Andreas - covering 69 miles in the process.

Pictured (l - r): Manx Telecom cyclists Alison Huyton, Jon Huyton, Don Stewart, Simon Hampson and Steven Cawley.