A passing comment from News OnTheWight that Xavier Baker, Paul Berry and Chris (Manni) Mannion — the three Islanders who have just spent 43 days 17 hours and 58 minutes rowing across the Atlantic Ocean — should receive the Freedom of the Isle of Wight, has been taken to heart.
Councillor Michael Lilley, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Elmfield and Appley, has written to Isle of Wight council leaders to make the nomination for the Mermaid Atlantic team.
He intends to put forward a motion to the next Full Council meeting (on 28th February 2024) calling on the council to recognise the ‘heroic achievement’.
Lilley: I believe their heroic achievement deserves recognition
Councillor Lilley told News OnTheWight,
“I feel Xavier Baker, Paul Berry and Chris (Manni) Mannion deserve recognition for their marathon of crossing the Atlantic by rowing boat. It has taken huge courage, resilience, training, perseverance, and determination.
“They have also raised the important issue of protecting the Island’s marine life and profiled three important local charities. They represented and profiled positively the people of the Isle of Wight and deserve recognition.
“I have always championed ordinary Islanders doing extraordinary things through the annual Papa Owl Awards and promoted local residents for awards such as Freedom of Ryde and Isle of Wight.
“This time I have put forward the Mermaid Atlantic Team for the Freedom of the Isle of Wight as I believe their heroic achievement deserves recognition.”
Call on leaders for support
In an email to Councillor Claire Critchison (Chair of IWC) and Councillor Phil Jordan (Leader of IWC), Councillor Lilley explains that if not the Freedom of the Isle of Wight, another form of recognition should be considered.
He said,
“This is an amazing achievement and deserves recognition. They not only undertook this amazing physical feat, but raised the profile not only of the Isle of Wight and the important issue of protecting Isle of Wight marine life from pollution.
“Isle of Wight Council honoured Derek Sandy for his amazing achievement of promoting Isle of Wight by being on Britain’s Got Talent. I feel the Mermaid Team deserves similar recognition.”
It’s not too late to donate
The three Islanders took on the challenge to raise awareness for the need to protect our oceans and the marine life that lives in it.
They are raising money for three vital charities, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust,Surfers Against Sewage and The Seahorse Trust.
There is still time to show your support by donating via the GiveWheel website.
Find out more about the Mermaid Atlantic by visiting our archive of stories about the challenge.
