Tony Palmer

Trustee: Chairman

Heroes On The Water Trustee Tony Palmer
Heroes On The Water Trustee Tony Palmer

I first came across the organisation Heroes on The Water back in 2011 after being contacted by a group of military veterans who wanted to do some kayak fishing on the Island. The veterans explained that they were from the organisation ‘Heroes on The Water UK’ and asked If I could help them out. After seeing first hand what a difference this organisation was making, I then contacted Jim Dolan the man who set up Heroes on The Water initially in the USA back in 2007 and he suggested we should set up a chapter here on Island.

Between 2012 & 2016 we continued to help to facilitate visiting veterans to the Island and initially worked with a small number of on Island veterans to make things happen.  HOW Isle of Man was registered as an on island charity in 2017 (Reg number 1248) when we took up the opportunity to lease the old Arcade building in Port Soderick as a place to work from. The rest is history.

Whilst I have never served in the Military myself, my father & brother had, along with many of my closest friends. No one at Heroes On The Water (Isle of Man) does anything for personnel gain; we do it because there is a need for what we offer. I can honestly say that It has been a pleasure and an honour to spend quality time with some amazing people on our journey, not just from just the Military and the blue lights that we serve, but all those that have worn a uniform paid or unpaid to serve their community.