Without Wings, the Manx Autoimmune Arthritis Trust, is a voluntary organisation and Isle of Man registered charity no. 1213. Its constitution supports people in the Isle of Man affected by autoimmune illnesses that, amongst other symptoms, attack the joints and therefore mobility. These include diseases such as Rheumatoid, Psoriatic and Juvenile Arthritis, as well as conditions like Lupus and Ankylosing Spondylitis to name just a few.
Established in 2016, the charity has one clear aim: to make our Island a better place to live if you’re struggling with one or more of these conditions – or supporting someone who is. To achieve this, its focus is three-fold: to promote awareness of these often complex, misunderstood and otherwise poorly supported conditions, and to provide both positive information and essential funds for compassionate services. This latter point is to help off-set some of the hidden costs associated with long-term, crippling illness. Without Wings' grant-making initiative aims to provide free counselling support as well as funds towards important resources such as home-help, complementary health support, physical rehabilitation and exercise intervention.
Overall, the charity’s purpose is to help people on our beautiful Island find their own way to ‘thrive, not just survive,’ whether they have a diagnosis, are going through diagnosis, or are a family member supporting an affected loved one.
Without Wings holds compassion, community and sustainability at its core. The charity has made every effort to protect our natural resources through digital streamlining via its informative website and social media campaigns, and through implementing QR codes. Resources and services utilised by the Trust are sourced locally too, supporting local small businesses, including printers, counsellors, social media freelancers, cleaning companies, venues, complementary health care practitioners and exercise teachers.
Many of Without Wings’ fundraising efforts also support the local creative scene and promote modern Manx culture. Examples include 12-hour band marathons, Christmas Eve trombonathons, and interactive murder mystery events that feature many of the Manx bards and Manx Litfest Slam winners.
Without Wings also support (but never preach) plant-based living as being the healthiest for society, the body, biodiversity, and the environment. To date the charity has held 3 international speaking events on this subject.
Without Wings promotes its cause as compassionate, vibrant, culturally aware, and with a focus on always giving something fun, engaging and positive back to the local community.
