Statement

Four local boys set a new World Record for ‘The fastest amphibious crossing of the Irish Sea’ 

Posted on: November 2, 2009

The whole concept revolves round raising money for the charity ‘Help For Heroes’ [for injured British service personnel coming back from Afghanistan]. The project is cross community and has involved a wide range of people from different backgrounds. The crew of Sir Tristram have been collecting sponsorship from supporters and now they have a justgiving account at www.justgiving.co.uk/sirtristram “Everyday we hear of casualties from Afghanistan – someone once said ‘If you want democracy someone has to pay for it’ – the people currently paying for it are the British Armed Forces” 

Local DUP member Peter Martin has been the driving force and catalyst behind the project to raise the profile and money for the charity. Speaking today, North Down MLA Peter Weir said: “I want to commend Peter Martin and his team for their excellent effort in crossing the Irish Sea in the converted Laguna car. The Help for Heroes charity helps our brave servicemen and women who are injured serving our country. This is a charity that deserves the support of the public and Peter Martin’s efforts in raising money and the profile for Help for Heroes is exemplary, highlighting his position as a pillar of the community in which we live.

Peter Martin took the opportunity to thank Peter Weir for all his help and support for the project: “This project has involved a wide range of people coming together to help make this project happen. Peter Weir and his staff have been a great support in helping to raise the profile of the Sir Tristram events and the launch from Eisenhower Pier in Bangor for the Copelands voyage would not have been possible without them.”

Sir T will be sold on EBay after the event. The ‘Sea Trial’ and ‘Copelands voyage’ can be found on YouTube by searching for ‘Sir Tristram’ and are definitely worth watching – watch out Clarkson!!