Citywing is inviting strong-armed teams to go ‘on the pull’ on June 26 to raise money for two local good causes.

For the third year in succession Citywing will be holding its sponsored plane pull at Isle of Man Airport in aid of its joint charities for 2016, Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man and Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

As Citywing’s joint charities of the year the two organisations each receive 12 return tickets to use for fundraising and will also share the proceeds of the plane pull which last year raised ?2,384 for the Diana Princess of Wales Care at Home Trust, such was the event’s ‘pulling power’.

The event, a potent mix of testosterone and teamwork, challenges teams to pull a Citywing LET-410 aircraft 34 metres, a distance covered last year in just 13.21 seconds by the winners, Southern Nomads RUFC.

Citywing’s managing director David Buck said: ‘At a time when businesses and individuals are having to review their charitable giving priorities and third sector organisations are faced with delivering more for less Citywing, as an Isle of Man-based company, is pleased to be continuing its support of local good causes.

‘Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man not only provides practical and emotional help at a time of loss but is also making great strides in changing attitudes towards acceptance and understanding of bereavement, while Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation works tirelessly to raise the profile of cardiac risk among young men and women and, through heart screening sessions, is helping to safeguard their future wellbeing.

‘We applaud the aims of these two organisations so would urge as many businesses and sporting and community groups as possible to sign up for the Citywing challenge and “pull together” for charity.’

Citywing’s sales and marketing manager Donna Sloane added: ‘Teams should be eight strong - with the emphasis on the “strong” – and they should register early as numbers are limited. We’re also delighted that Sleepwell Hotels will be helping fuel the teams’ efforts by providing breakfast baps and tea or coffee free of charge, though donations to the two charities would, of course, be most welcome.

‘The plane pull’s not only a great fundraiser but also a real crowd pleaser, so families and friends are welcome to come along and offer their support, as vocal as they like.’

The plane pull is expected to start at 11am. Entry fee is ?200 per team with all proceeds from the event divided between the two charities. To register email Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man’s Jane Gelling gelling@me.com.