A recent visit to the Island by ex-22 SAS and bestselling author Andy McNab (DCM, MM, CBE) helped raise more than ?2,000 for charity, with the funds being shared between Hospice Isle of Man and Help for Heroes.
 
Almost half of the money raised came from an auction at the evening of a limited edition of Bravo Two Zero, Andy’s account of a 1991 Iraq War top secret mission deep behind enemy lines and the biggest selling war book of all time. Since Bravo Two Zero, Andy has written more than 40 books, including 19 novels in the Nick Stone series and several series for young adults. Earlier this year he was awarded the CBE for services to literacy and charity, recognising the work he has done with The Reading Agency promoting literacy, particularly in young adults and prisoners.
 
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publication of Bravo Two Zero, 300 limited edition, cloth-bound hardbacks were produced. Each was numbered and signed by Andy, with new chapters added documenting his return to where he was captured and held prisoner.
 
The evening saw a separate auction of an original Gulf War 1 silk escape map, signed by Andy, which brought in ?600.
Organised by Prestige Artist Events, An Evening with Andy McNab took place at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino.
 
Gavin Speirs, Managing Director of Prestige Artist Events, said: ‘The evening was a great success, and the fact it raised such a fine total for our chosen charities makes it all worthwhile. These events couldn’t happen without the support of the local community and we know the charities will greatly benefit on an ongoing basis, which is what these nights are all about.
 
‘Andy really enjoyed his time in the Island, visiting the Hospice, speaking to students at Ballakermeen High School, and visiting a local rifle range – and he also managed to fit in a lap of the TT course too. Andy and his team loved the Island and the warm welcome they received.’
 
Gavin added: ‘Andy kindly agreed to sign several 20th anniversary limited edition paperback versions of Bravo Two Zero, along with another escape map, to enable us to raise more funds, with part of the proceeds going to Hospice Isle of Man and Help for Heroes. This is a great finish to the Isle of Man event, and a unique Christmas gift while raising funds for the chosen charities.
 
‘The signed editions of Bravo Two Zero are on sale for ?150 each, and we are also auctioning the 2nd escape map. To secure a copy of the book, or to make a bid on the map, just get in touch via bookings@prestigeartistevents.com by 5pm on 24th December 2017. Please provide full contact details, with the subject marked as either “Signed & Sealed Map Bid Andy McNab”, or “Bravo Two Zero signed edition”. We will then announce the winner of the auction, and arrange delivery of the copies of the signed editions.’
 
Such was the success of An Evening with Andy McNab, Prestige Artist Events is planning similar events with Andy within the UK and Channel Islands.
 
Photo - The Gulf War 1 silk escape map signed by Andy McNab, which is up for auction, and the signed 20th anniversary edition of Bravo Two Zero.