A number of individuals and organisations play an important part in trying to make things easier for people who need support all year but in particular at this time to help where needed.

We can all play a part by just knocking on the door of a neighbour to make sure all is okay with them.

It is a sad reflection on our society that people still find themselves in need.

That we have to have food banks, that people are homeless or sofa surfing and that some families struggle to get presents for little ones.

It is though a very positive aspect of our community that people step up to help fellow citizens in such situations.

So today I thought I would dedicate my column to one such individual who over many years has dedicated himself to charitable causes such as these and in many other areas of island life.

David Gawne MBE was born on July 20, 1947, at the Jane Crookall.

The family home was Earl Terrace, Woodbourne Road, and he attended Murray’s Road, Ballakermeen and St Ninian’s schools.

He had a summer job at Emmett’s men’s wear in Duke Street, long since disappeared. His mother ran a boarding house during the summer like so many in those days so the early years holidays were spent with grandparents in Crosby. He is married to Gill, a member of the Goldsmith family from Sulby.

In 1963 David joined the Isle of Man Bank, a much different organisation than today, rising through the ranks to senior management.

He took early retirement in 2001 and undertook two consultancy roles in government with then Department of Local Government and the Environment and the social services division of the Department of Health and Social Security.

The primary purpose of this piece though is to put on record once again David’s commitments in the charitable sector.

Thirty-four years ago in 1988 he founded Crossroads Care to provide support to carers and people with care needs no matter their disability, age or illness.

Its services are about improving the lives of carers by giving them time to themselves and have a break from caring.

Caring responsibilities can be undertaken at any age depending on the individual circumstances and so many people island wide willingly care for loved ones or family members. The respite and individual support Crossroads provides is essential.

Caring, however lovingly given, can have a detrimental effect on the carer so this is a vital and much-needed service.

From my perspective, with an ageing demographic the demands on this service will increase.

The carer needs to be properly valued by government for this vital commitment and the demands on Crossroads will also no doubt see increased demand.

Last year David who had by then chaired the organisation for more than 30 years retired.

He had been instrumental in getting carers recognised both publicly and in government statute.

The development of the organisation during that time had resulted in so much support for families who needed it.

Shops have been opened to help raise vital funds including the latest home interiors branch adjacent to Mylchreests motors on the New Castletown Road, a children’s nursery and taking on board the Manx Workshop for the Disabled providing much-needed opportunities.

David served as UK National trustee of Crossroads Association and Leonard Cheshire Foundation in which he was instrumental in setting up our island facilities.

I also had a much less important link with Leonard Cheshire. Many years ago I took part in the London Marathon as a fundraiser for the organisation.

The crowd support in the marathon is legendary and my shirt had Leonard Cheshire emblazoned on it. Around every corner people would be shouting: ’Come on Leonard!’.

David was instrumental in setting up the Isle of Man Live at Home schemes.

Jackie Bridson ( pronounced how the Bridson and Horrox ads were at the pictures... you have to be a certain age to remember) said: ’David is the chairman of the board of IoM Live at home.

’He has been involved in the work of the charity since its inception in 1998 making a difference to the growing older population in tackling the effects of isolation and loneliness on their mental and physical wellbeing.

’He has seen many changes during this time and has helped to steer the charity through these. His knowledge and commitment to the good works of the third sector is unparalleled. He is a great support to anyone that wishes to do further good works for the communities of the island.’

Neal Mellon of the Isle of Man Foodbank told me: ’David is co-founder and director of the organisation, helping launch it in 2013.

’He fills the roles of chairman and treasurer and his knowledge of business and charity law keeps us on the straight and narrow.

’He has extensive knowledge and involvement with local business, organisations and the third sector and strives to get them to share their knowledge and skills for the benefit of others.’

Katie from Housing Matters, which he founded, said: ’David has worked closely with us for many years due to his association with other local charities. His expertise is invaluable.’

David was previously Island Commissioner of St John Ambulance.

Cat from the organisation told me: ’David was our treasurer from 1983 to 1987 and then became our commissioner between 1987 and 1990. The position oversees all of the uniformed side with volunteers and operations.’

Julie Stokes, chair of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, spoke about David’s involvement as chairman of the Council of Cancer Charities: ’I am fortunate to work with David on so may things.

’He is determined to bring together all the cancer charities to work together to improve cancer services in the island.

’Our mission currently is to develop a Maggie Type centre adjacent to Noble’s Hospital. We now have the land. This project has the full backing of Manx Care and DHSC.’

She continued: ’David is also a valued member of the IoM Cancer Service User Forum - a small group, which is responsible for the patient booklets given out to all diagnosed patients.

’The forum also campaigns for improvements to cancer services. He is also president of both Manx Breast Cancer Support Group and Mannin Cancers. The help and advice he gives is immeasurable. We couldn’t do it without him.’

The final word is from Del Peters, chair of the Cancer service users Forum, who said: ’David is the driving force in ensuring all our charities efforts in our partnership with Manx Care are focussed, achievable and professional, offering sage advice on everything from complex contracts to simple communication.

’Over the years I have had the privilege to call David a friend he has made a significant difference in how cancer charities work together to have a single joint voice.’

David recently encouraged me to join Douglas Rotary Club. The ethic of the organisation is service before self.

As a former president of the branch and trustee of the charitable trust his selfless commitment to so many good works exemplifies this. I know I will have missed some of your good works for which I apologise.

’Thank you for all you do for our island David Gawne MBE.