The Joey Dunlop Foundation Home was officially opened on the 6th June 2010 by Linda Dunlop and multiple TT winner John McGuinness and is open all year round to visitors. The aim is to provide all year round accessible self-catering tourist accommodation, designed and equipped for disabled visitors who wish to visit the Isle of Man.
The facility was recently visited by Minister for the Department of Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK, and Member for the Department of Economic Development responsible for Tourism, Mr Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, who were given a guided tour of the premises which consists of three self-contained disabled accessible apartments. The Joey Dunlop Foundation charity is non-profit making and relies upon its hard working committee, local businesses and loyal supporters to continue fund raising to ensure that affordable rates are charged.
Joey Dunlop was the winner of no fewer than 26 TT races, and undisputed F1 World Champion from 1982 to 1986. At the age of 48, just weeks after winning his final Isle of Man TT in 2000, he died as a result of a crash during a 125 race in the Republic of Estonia. Joey was a remarkable man who had a caring attitude towards under-privileged children and in particular orphans in Eastern Europe. With this in mind, it was the Charity’s objective to build a working memorial that would benefit many people but especially children. The Joey Dunlop Foundation was established in 2000 and during initial discussions between the Committee, Linda Dunlop and Honda’s Bob McMillan it was revealed that Joey would have liked to have constructed a facility to benefit people, especially children, with a disability. After 10 years of fund raising the Joey Dunlop Foundation Holiday Home was officially opened in 2010.
Minister for the Department of Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK, said: ‘I wish to express my gratitude and thanks to all the loyal supporters who have helped with the Joey Dunlop Holiday Home project over the years. This is not only down to the hard work of committee members but also down to the huge generosity from the Joey Dunlop Supporters all over the World and I hope it will bring enjoyment to our disabled visitors for many more years to come.’
