Dan Kneen Charitable Fund partners with Rock2Recovery to create TORQ: a mental health and wellbeing support service for the TT paddock.
It’s good to talk, we all say. Sadly though, we’re not always very good at following our own advice; especially when our mental health is suffering.
One group looking to spark the conversation – at least among the hundreds of people who race, work or volunteer at the TT – is the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund.
It has partnered with the mental health charity, Rock2Recovery, to create TORQ: a ground-breaking welfare service available to anyone affected by a serious racing incident on the TT Mountain Course.
TORQ
Filling a current void in rider health and welfare, TORQ will strive to create positive change when it is needed the most.
This may include the provision of refocusing support for competitors coming to terms with serious injury or the mental health issues attributable to long periods of recovery; coaching for the friends and family of competitors who have suffered life-changing injuries; or assistance for those sadly coming to terms with the sudden loss of a loved one.
The service forms part of the recently announced drive to further enhance medical standards at the TT and is fully endorsed by the event’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gareth Davies, and Clerk of the Course, Gary Thompson MBE BEM.
‘Rock’ was founded by Jamie Sanderson and Jason Fox following long careers as senior-ranking Royal Marines, which both ended with medical discharge.
Whilst Rock predominantly supports military veterans and emergency services personnel, the sorts of injury and trauma the charity helps with are only too similar to those experienced by some at the TT – whether we can see them or not.
The TORQ service will be based at the new rider welfare facility for the duration of the TT, but support will remain available throughout the year for anyone affected by a racing incident. Whilst an exceptionally discreet service, the staff at TORQ can be easily reached via mobile or WhatsApp, or via the TT Welfare Team.
Leanne Harper of the Dan Kneen Charitable Trust said: “Our charity has always helped those affected by serious racing accidents, but through TORQ we can contribute in a more purposeful way.
“We truly feel this initiative is a fitting legacy for Dan and will ensure his spirit of camaraderie lives on at the TT for many years to come. We see TORQ as Dan offering an outstretched hand to his racing family in times of need.”
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