Ed Space Isle of Man has praised the island’s sheep‑shearing community after receiving a £7,740.22 donation at a gathering at the Bridge Inn in Laxey.
The Charity Speed Shear was held earlier this year at the Bridge Inn with all money raised being donated to the local mental health charity.
Representatives from Ed Space said they were “blown away” by the welcome they received from the shearing team and the pub’s landlady, who hosted the event.
The cheque presentation brought the team to tears, with the charity emphasising that the impact came not just from the donation, but from meeting “a brilliant bunch of people who get it” and who understand the importance of talking openly about mental health and suicide.
The charity said conversations during the evening highlighted the realities of farming life, long hours, isolation, physical demands and financial pressures, and reinforced the need for accessible mental‑health support across rural communities.
The Speed Shear team said Ed Space’s talk was “eye‑opening” and a reminder of why they began fundraising, adding that the charity would have reacted the same way “whether it was £50, £500 or £5,000”.
They thanked everyone who sponsored, donated, bought merchandise or attended the event, describing the community spirit at the Bridge Inn as central to the night’s success.
Ed Space said it has made “amazing connections” and looks forward to working with the shearing community in future, thanking the team, the landlady and supporters for their generosity and commitment to improving mental‑health conversations across the island.
