The people of the Isle of Man joined forces in a collective humanitarian effort which saw a lorry load of humanitarian aid sent out to support Syrian refugees.

Co-ordinated by Karen Hanly and her staff at Hanly’s on Westmoreland Road, Douglas, a range of useful items, from tents to clothes, was packaged at the weekend and sent on its way. Well-wishers also donated a total of £150.

‘We spent three weeks collecting the stuff and it was donated by members of the public who just came into the shop and dropped items off. From children to pensioners, people just donated a phenomenal amount of stuff, from sleeping bags to nappies, toiletries and food stuff. It was just human nature at its best.’

The items will be sent, thanks to the generous support of Manx Independent Carriers, to Lancaster where they will be taken by a Manchester-based Syrian refugee charity to distribution points in Europe.

‘It was very hard work and physically draining but we did well to get that amount sent out. At the end of the day whatever their background these are all human beings who need support.’

Ms Hanly thanked everyone who had helped out and donated cash or goods.