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. They have 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.
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, who not only identify with Rock2Recovery, but also recognise the specific expertise and specialist experience their staff will bring to the paddock.
‘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.
Having experienced their own traumas, the team at the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund also recognise the need for rapid preventative interventions for those affected by serious racing incidents. Losing Dan was painful for them all, but it also inspired the formation of the Fund as a meaningful legacy, with the creation of TORQ allowing Dan’s closest friends and family to better help people who find themselves in a similar place.
Whilst the charity has always been dedicated to supporting Dan's friends and fellow racers, TORQ also acknowledges the unique role and invaluable contribution of TT marshals – as well as hundreds of other volunteers – by offering them the exact same support service. TORQ is therefore an initiative of which Dan would be immensely proud, and stands as a wonderful tribute to a much-loved rider.
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.
GARY THOMPSON MBE BEM, CLERK OF THE COURSE
“Motorcycle racing is our lives and we all give our time to support the TT, so it is only right we recognise those who are suffering and need help. TORQ fills a void in welfare and rider health and Rock2Recovery is the perfect organisation to lend their support. Taking control is a good thing and I strongly encourage the use of this fantastic new service."
LEE JOHNSTON, TT WINNER AND TORQ PATRON
“Knowing how hard life is after a big accident, I feel it’s really important in our sport to have a rider welfare and mental health support service like TORQ. It was really good to have Rock2Recovery on the end of the phone to talk things through and, honestly, I can’t tell you just how much it has helped me.”
LEANNE HARPER, DAN KNEEN CHARITABLE TRUST
“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.”
HEATHER MELVIN, ROCK2RECOVERY
“We are excited for this opportunity to work with the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund. TORQ will be a new initiative on the Isle of Man for Rock2Recovery and will be in addition to coaching members of our Armed Forces, veteran community and emergency services; as well as their families. Working together we aim to change the lives of all those affected by stress.”