History enthusiast to swap Lycra for chainmail to support Hospice

Viking Tom ready to battle half marathon

A history enthusiast is preparing to swap Lycra for chainmail as part of efforts to raise money for Hospice Isle of Man.

Viking reenactor Tom Bell is taking on the Flutter International Hospice Half Marathon on 22 March.

He’s hoping to raise £500 for the charity which cares for people with terminal or life-limiting conditions.

You can find out more about the event HERE.

Tom, who works for Flutter, will be running with a large battle axe, seax and other sartorial Viking kit weighing around 14 kilograms in total.

He says he’s ready for the challenge:

You can find out more, and find a link to donate, by clicking HERE.

The Flutter International Hospice Half Marathon was started in 2025.

Last year’s event saw 366 runners generate £22,567.25 for the charity.

Flutter International has also supported a number of other fundraising endeavours including the BIG Corporate Challenge and the Care for a Drink coffee van.

Funding provided by the company also covered two nursing roles to ensure care remains available, free of charge, to Island families every day of the year.