Isle of Man Steam Packet Company passengers have raised £10,000 for medical and rescue equipment used around the TT course.
The donation to the Rob Vine Fund was raised through collection buckets on board the Company’s vessels during the TT period.
Chief Medical Officer for the TT races, Dr David Stevens MBE said: “Many years ago when Tommy Harrison, a Steam Packet Company first officer, started collecting money from passengers, I had no idea the venture would help the fund so much each year.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the magnificent corporate effort put in by so many Steam Packet Company employees, helping to relieve eager passengers of their loose change! This donation is an excellent example of a company, involved locally, putting something back into the community and what could be more appropriate than helping ensure the excellence of medical equipment in the road racing capital of the world.”
The money raised will be used to update some of the medical and rescue equipment used around the TT course, including the two helicopters and two frontline Phil Hogg ambulances.
Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: “We are delighted to be able to show our support for such a worthwhile charity. The work they do is vital and without their good work these events would not be able to take place.”
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has also sponsored the return travel of the two ambulances, a mini bus and eight rescue crew to Heysham.
The journey is to provide medical and rescue support at the Tour of Mull Car Rally on the Isle of Mull.
Dr Stevens, who is also Medical Director of Motorsport Medical Services and Hogg Motorsport Association’s Co-ordinator, said: “The Hogg Motorsport Association, with their two frontline ambulances and more than 20 unpaid volunteers, cover over 130 Manx motorsport events each year. We are very grateful to the Steam Packet Company for helping us to fly the Manx flag at the only event we cover off Island.”
