Amongst the many competitors taking part in this weekend’s Parish Walk is one man whose aim is not only to walk all the way on his first ever attempt and raise money for a charity, but also with the intention of raising the profile of the organisation he is supporting.

Ralph Peake, well known in local business as the owner of Luminaires, is taking part in his first Parish Walk and has chosen to raise funds for the charity Manx Workshop for the Disabled which supports the not-for-profit limited company The Manx Workshop.

“Many people will have perhaps heard something about the workshop, but in recent months I have come to realise that very few have any idea of what they really do and what it means to so many people,” he said.

“I want to do well in the walk, and the intention is to walk the full distance, but the added bonus will be if I can help to raise the profile of what the Manx Workshop does in the community.”

Ralph will donate all of his sponsorship money to the workshop charity, and is currently on target to make a substantial donation.

“I’ve been training hard and have done more than 400 miles,” he added. “I’ve got a great support team behind me, and I really want to get to the finish, but we’ll have to see how it goes.”

Martin Sewell, spokesman for the Manx Workshop, said, “Ralph’s intention of helping to raise the profile of our work here is perfect timing, as we are expanding our business and producing a new range of products.

“We are always very grateful for all donations, which are very important to us, but if we can eventually become successful enough to make the workshop become totally self-sufficient so that we don’t have to rely so heavily on donations, then that would be a really positive step forward for the future.”

The Workshop is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having been founded in 1985 at Masham Court in Douglas by a group of disabled people who had struggled to find employment on the Island.

The range of products made by the current staff of eight has increased significantly in recent years, enhanced by investment in the acquisition of new machinery and sophisticated computerised hi-tech equipment.

Today, the Manx Workshop produces and designs a huge range of corporate products, such as company seals, door signs, badges and labels.

The eight staff of skilled workers and apprentices also produce high quality items using locally-sourced hardwoods, including oak, beech, sycamore and ash, to create objects such as uniquely designed Manx clocks, pens and house signs.

They are also happy to work to a customer’s own design, and create unique objects, such as the recently commissioned relief map of the Isle of Man made in ash and brass for Junior Achievement.

Martin Sewell added, “We have established a unique and highly creative business, and provided employment for a number of disabled people who might otherwise have struggled to find work.

“We are supplying a number of retail outlets across the Island, and we are expanding and our figures are very encouraging. The real aim is to be fully self-sufficient in the near future  which is now a realistic target to achieve.”