THE JOEY DUNLOP FOUNDATION
22 March 2006 - Joey Dunlop Foundation

William Joseph Dunlop, OBE., MBE., will long be remembered by bikers world wide and his many friends for his record breaking achievements on the famous Isle of Man TT Course.

However, many of those people may well not be aware that family man Joey, was a caring person who undertook a number of lone and dangerous missions to the former Eastern European Countries in a van loaded with gifts and provisions for young children who were being deprived of life''s essentials.

It was in recognition of these personal charitable undertakings as well as his 26 TT race victories and five TT Formula One world titles, that he was twice honoured by Her Majesty the Queen, firstly with an MBE in 1986 and with an OBE ten years later.

At the end of the Millennium year a group of ardent Joey fans decided to approach his wife Linda, to seek her agreement to raise funds to construct a facility that would be of benefit to the community and also be a fitting memorial in recognition of the varied achievements of the person affectionately known as ''Yer Maun''.

It was during the initial discussions with Linda and Honda''s Bob McMillan that it was revealed that Joey would have liked to have constructed a facility to benefit people, especially children, with a disability.

Once this group of admirers had been given the green light by the Dunlop family, fund raising plans were instigated and the Joey Dunlop Foundation was established, initially to raise funds to install a lift in the TT grandstand to make access possible to the main viewing gallery for the disabled. The second undertaking was to provide much needed accommodation for the physically challenged and their families, and with a view to working alongside other charitable organisations both on and off the Isle of Man.

With the support of Linda Dunlop (Patron), Jason Griffith (Founder President), Richard ''Milky'' Quayle (President), Bob McMillan and John Harris, representing Honda, and many other supporters nearly £300k has now been raised from various fund raising events. These have included the sale of motor cycle clothing, badges and stickers and more recently the introduction by the Foundation of an annual tombola boasting a Honda motor cycle as first prize.

Funds have also been boosted by way of collection boxes in public houses throughout the island and sundry donations, in the main from off Isle of Man residents. Apart from a sizeable contribution from Arai Helmets, all funds have been raised by the Foundation committee members who have worked long hours, especially during the summer months, and are now looking for much needed extra support from Joey Dunlop fans throughout the world.

In 2005 a property was purchased in Victoria Road, Douglas, near St Ninians Park, and once demolished it will become the site for a holiday complex of five units that will provide specialised facilities for the disabled. Construction of Joey''s Holiday Lodge was due to commence in May this year with completion by May 2007. The accommodation will be available to both local and non Isle of Man residents, with ex-TT and Manx Grand Prix riders and their families having priority during the race periods.

TT 2006 is an important event for motorcyclists world wide and an essential period of fund raising for the Foundation. To this end TT Riders liaison officers Richard ''Milky'' Quayle and Paul Phillips will be hosting a TT Chat Show at the Villa Marina in Douglas on June 3, with all proceeds going directly to the Joey Dunlop Foundation. Also, throughout the TT Festival Foundation members will be on hand to serve a wide range of refreshments at the Mike Hailwood Centre, to the rear of the Grandstand, and give visitors the opportunity to purchase items from the JDF clothing range. In addition there will be the chance to win one of three Honda motorcycles in the most exciting raffle ever organised by the Foundation.

The appeal from the dedicated members of the Joey Dunlop Foundation is clear. ''Please support us to ensure the much needed holiday accommodation for the disabled is operational in the centenary year of the TT races.'' Once completed, the Holiday Lodge will become a lasting memorial to Joey Dunlop - The King of the Roads.

If you require further information or would like to organise a fund raising event please visit http://www.joeydunlopfoundation.com or write to Kevin Quirk (Trustee & Treasurer), 12 First Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man 1M2 6BA.

Patron: Linda Dunlop President: Richard Quayle
Trustees - Barbara Wood, Kevin Quirk & John Watterson
Secretary: Tracy Reeder Assistant Secretary: Claire Newall
Advisers: David Cretney MHK, John Houghton MHK, Glenn Kinrade

Registered Charity No.842 (Isle of Man)

www.joeydunlopfoundation.com

More News
  For March 2006
  From Joey Dunlop Foundation
  For Sponsorship
  Biker247.com Home Page