Each year Microgaming in Douglas, Isle of Man, holds a soap box race on its main streets for charity. For 2 years running Positive Bones has had its very own Soap Box ridden by the dad of amputee Josephine Bridge; Positive Bones Chair, to raise awareness of our charity and limb difference.

The race started well but disaster struck after the first run when the Positive Bones soap box leapt over a jump and landed with a crash and even losing some wheels! Not to worry, Sean took the kart off in style much to the enjoyment of the commentator!

Here are his words:

The Douglas Soapbox by Microgaming was the first event that I took part in, two years ago to the day, to launch Positive Bones as a fundraiser, for Josephine, and support group for anyone out there in similar situations to follow and bounce off her, on her journey and share a part of their own, if they wished. 

When I look back at the photos I remember that Jose still had her left leg as the surgery was a few weeks later in October ’18.

On the night of the event I was telling her story and explaining our plans to everyone I met, our plans for her and the intention to raise enough to buy her the leg she needed to live her life fully, at work and play, and also the intention to pay it back by launching a charity to help others with limb difference, once we had reached our goal as a family. 

This year’s Douglas Soapbox was so much more than a fun event for local show offs to let off steam. 

Because the Isle of Man is in an exclusive club of jurisdictions that are Covid free we aren’t required to practice social distancing or wear masks. 

Many know the island is synonymous with motorsport,  namely the TT races which of course were cancelled this year. Our borders were closed in March and remain so still. 

This means that this was probably the biggest spectator event on the island this year; a chance for people to get together with friends and family, feel normal and most of all, laugh. 

The event was the only public event anywhere in the British Isles in aid of The Firefighters Charity. 

The FFC is a fantastic charity that provides therapeutic programs of treatment for firefighters and their spouses at two main centres, Exeter in the South and Penrith in the North.