Over the Easter weekend, Vaughan, Brent, and Dan took on the Isle of Man Easter Festival of Running, not just for the challenge, but for a heartfelt cause. The trio chose to run in support of Riding for the Disabled, an organisation that offers life-changing horse experiences to island residents with additional needs. These programs help participants grow in confidence, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships, all while having a great time in the saddle.

They were joined and cheered on by Kat Ions, organiser of the Isle of Man Riding for the Disabled, who came out to support them and snap a photo with the team. Her presence added an extra layer of meaning to an already inspiring weekend, along with Nikki and Trevor.

The festival kicked off with a rainy 10km run, filled with good vibes and determination. Day two brought a shift in scenery (and elevation!) as the boys tackled the iconic Peel Hill. On the final day, the energy peaked in Douglas, where both Dan and Vaughan celebrated new personal bests, an epic way to round off the festival. Brent missed his by a few seconds. We already looking forward to next years event.

The RARE FLYERS crew dusted off their clubs and kicked off their first golf game of the season this weekend and what a day it was. Bright skies, a hint of coastal breeze, and the rolling greens of the Isle of Man set the stage for some classic early-season chaos.

The lads started the game together, full of banter and questionable swing techniques, but soon had to split into separate groups, where the real competition began. Friendly chirps turned into fierce (but still friendly) rivalries as each group fought to set the tone for the game.

By the 6th hole, the squad regrouped, stories already flying about miraculous shots and near misses. That hole turned into a battleground, but it was Peter Buss who rose to the occasion, claiming the win with a clutch finish and earning the bragging rights (at least for the day).

With plenty of laughs, a bit of sunburn, and just enough decent shots to call it golf, the day was everything the RARE FLYERS hoped for. A perfect start to what promises to be a season full of fun, fairway drama, and maybe even a few birdies.

Vaughan and Dan took part in the Flutter Hospice Half Marathon, having raised just under their target of £1,000. What a fun and beautiful run it was, with spring in all its glory. The roads were lined with daffodils for the entire 21km route. The lads had an amazing support crew scattered across the course: Giles and Ash Scott in Andreas, Kat and Arran further along, with Nikki, Trevor, Ash, and Lucas at the finish line. Hannah and Sarah left the boys in the dust! It was a joyful and beautiful experience. A huge thank you for all the support, and we’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!

We look forward to seeing you at the Easter Running Festival next, in aid of RDA.

RARE FLYERS are proud to take on the challenge of this year’s Isle of Man Parish Walk in support of Riding for the Disabled Isle of Man—a 100% volunteer-run, self-funded charity changing lives through the power of horses.

The 85-mile (137 km) Parish Walk winds through all 17 parishes of the Isle of Man, with competitors touching the church gate at each parish church in a set order. It’s a demanding but rewarding journey, all to be completed within 24 hours.

Why RDA?

Riding for the Disabled (RDA) provides life-changing equine experiences for island residents with additional needs. Through riding, participants gain confidence, develop skills, and build friendships—all while having fun! The unique bond between horse and rider delivers both physical and mental benefits, making a lasting impact.

Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rare-flyers-rda

YouTube: https://youtu.be/B3HAXA97CxQ?si=5Aufxbzg33aQT0bQ
Website: https://rda-iom.co.uk/about-us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isleofmanrda/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067591211576

Wrapping Up 2024 with RARE FLYERS

The end of 2024 was a whirlwind of activity for RARE FLYERS, as our team fully embraced the festive season.

On December 16th, Trevor, Nikki, Amanda, and Dan joined the fun-filled Christmas Run in support of Arlo’s Adventure, a local Isle of Man charity.

Eric, Vaughan, Lucas, and Dan took part in the Isle of Man Bank Santa Dash. Dan even won the prize draw, and in the giving spirit of the season, donated his winnings to Isle Listen. It was a well-attended event, and we can’t wait to be part of it again next year!

To cap it all off, the Van der Merwe family made their annual Christmas Park Run, decked out in full festive gear.

As we move into 2025, we’re excited to have several charity activities already on the calendar. The first one to watch for is the Flutter International Hospice Half Marathon, happening on March 23rd, 2025. Next will be the Isle of Man Easter Festival followed by the Parish Walk in Summer. See you there!

The RARE FLYERS have been taking their adventures to new heights—raising awareness for hospice while soaking up the great outdoors! Want to be part of something amazing? Support our mission to bring comfort, care, and compassion to hospice patients—every little bit helps!

Dan recently breathed in the beauty of South Africa's Drakensberg mountains, while Nikki and Trevor turned a business trip in the Middle East into a sightseeing marathon (by foot, of course!). Meanwhile, Scott in America, has been sharing seaside strolls along the beach.

And we’re not stopping there! Catch us at a few charity Christmas runs across the Isle of Man this season. Why not lace up your sneakers and join the fun? Together, we can make a difference!

RARE FLYERS have been on the move! In preparation for our epic climb of Kilimanjaro next June, we have been training in a variety of ways - from running the Comrades Ultra-marathon, completing the London 10K, hiking from Laxey to the summit of Snaefell and park-running. You can find us volunteering at our local Nobles Parkrun. We post regular up-dates of our activities on our Just Giving page.

The RARE FLYERS are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2025. Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest point on the African continent.

Trevor, who inspired the plan, has spoken of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for decades and as he’s celebrating his 60th birthday in June, we thought it would be the perfect timing. Our climbing party of 8 friends and family are dedicating our summit attempt to the Isle of Man Hospice. 

Modern society avoids discussion about the inevitable end of our time on earth, but the dignity that the dedicated Hospice volunteers and staff are able to share gives tremendous comfort to the family left behind. They are truly angels on earth.

Many of the RARE FLYERS have been touched by Hospice in our lives. 

We would like our climb to help raise awareness of the awesome job that Hospice does and we hope to raise at least £10,000 for this amazing charity that offers such a humane end-of-life experience.

RARE FLYERS recently took part in the Isle of Man Half-Marathon. The run has been voted in ‘Runners’ World’ as one of the top ten races in the United Kingdom. The route follows the Manx Northern coast, starting and finishing in Ramsey. Brent van der Merwe, Vaughan Batchelor and Dan Scott took part on the 11 August 2024 which was a beautifully clear, dry day! The team ran to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts and managed to send the Khayalitsha District Hospital over £1000 that will be used to improve the hospital’s facilities. The RARE FLYERS were interviewed on Manx Radio.

The Parish Walk in the Isle of Man is an annual event that takes place in June. It is an around-the-island walk covering 85 miles which must be completed within 24 hours. Participants are required to walk through each of 17 parishes and touch the church gate. This year, 1227 participants started the walk and incredibly, 128 managed to complete it! Our Client Relationships guru, Dan Scott, walked as far as Peel which is 33 miles and he achieved this remarkable feat in 8 hours and 16 minutes! He had the fabulous company of Andrew Joughin and Tirrie Noongo so that the time flew by! Aside from a little sunburn, Dan arrived in Peel unscathed!