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TT bike models raising 'vital funds' for charity

Ashlea Tracey
BBC News, Isle of Man
Isle of Man TT Races Seven of the colourful bike models are lined up on a closed road, which is the start of the TT course. People stand behind them, some hold signs up explaining the designs. You can see large green trees in the background.Isle of Man TT Races
The models were lined up at the start of the TT course to highlight the fundraiser

An art project featuring a variety of decorated motorcycle sculptures on show at the TT Grandstand is helping to raise "vital funds" for a new cancer support centre.

Mannin Cancers Support Group's Wheelie Good Cause appeal created 15 "legends" bikes, which spectators have been able to view and take photos with at the 2025 festival.

Julie Stokes from the charity said fans had thought the life-size models of racing motorcycles were "amazing, and they don't believe how good they look close up".

She said an auction planned for Senior Race Day would instead be taking place at the 2026 TT Races to allow for more money to be raised via the scheme.

A close up of a purple sculpture with the Mannin Cancers Support Group logo
The Mannin Cancers Support Group model will go on display at a new centre

"We've been named as the official charity until the next event, so we're able to fundraise for another year before they're auctioned off to the highest bidder," Ms Stokes said.

"It also allows us more time to showcase the full power and story of the 15 stunning sculptures in our legends series, in which each model has been inspired by an iconic TT bike from the past 50 years," she added.

Mannin Cancers Support Group John McGuinness wears a red jumper and black cap, he stands next to a model honouring the machine he rode in 2007.Mannin Cancers Support Group
Rider John McGuinness has visited the bike honouring his career at the TT Grandstand

The exhibit, which honours TT riders and machines from the past, features sculptures recognising the careers and efforts of the teams that support the event.

Ms Stokes said there was also "a marshal's bike, because they're are legends".

She said the bikes recognising 26-time Isle of Man TT winner Joey Dunlop's career had "been very popular".

"Everybody's got their own favourite."

Former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond stopped by, and riders such as John McGuinness also went to see the sculpture that marked his 2007 Honda machine.

A close up of a red sculpture which bears the number 3, and name Joey Dunlop. You can see three other colourful models in the background
Spectators have been keen to see the sculptures honouring Joey Dunlop's career

Construction of the £2m Mannin Cancers Macmillan Support Centre, which is based on Maggie's Centres in the UK, began in February and is set to be completed by August.

"All of the volunteers are so grateful for all of the support we've received in person at the Grandstand," Ms Stokes said.

The funding raised will make a "massive difference", she added.

"It will all help towards the running cost were going to have with the new centre."

The charity has been working with the Isle of Man TT races team and the Department for Enterprise on the project.

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