Isle of Man Steam Packet Company crew presenting Dr. David B. Stevens MBE, Director of the Rob Vine Fund and Hogg Motorsport crew

with £22,011.53 on board Ben-my-Chree

It’s been another record-breaking year for charity collections on board Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessels during this year’s TT, with more than £22,000 raised for The Rob Vine Fund.

Passengers travelling on fast craft Manannan and Ben-my-Chree contributed the generous sum on sailings throughout the TT period, bringing the grand total raised over the past 25 years to almost £300,000.

Steam Packet Company staff and crew handed over a cheque to volunteers from the charity, which operates the Phil Hogg Rescue Ambulances and provides pre-hospital medical and rescue care, equipment and training for doctors, paramedics and others at motorsport events held in the Isle of Man.

This year’s funds will contribute towards the cost of a new purpose-built ambulance which is nearing completion, and expected to be delivered in time for the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix in August, with travel assistance from the Steam Packet Company.

Dr. David B Stevens MBE, Secretary and Director of the The Rob Vine Fund, said:

‘On behalf of the directors, volunteers and members I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and their passengers for the incredible donations made over TT 2019. The staff and crew involved in coordinating and carrying out the collections work so hard and are instrumental in raising this record-breaking sum.

‘Once again we are overwhelmed with the generosity of passengers who demonstrate their support year-on-year. This annual collection has made a huge difference over the past 25 years, securing the provision of our vital pre-hospital medical care at Manx motorsport events.’

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added:

‘We are proud to continue our long-lasting partnership with The Rob Vine Fund and Hogg Motorsport Association, which provides essential medical care in the Isle of Man.

‘It is a fantastic achievement to raise the highest total since records began in 1995, and incredible that almost £300,000 has been collected over the past 25 years. We look forward to the new ambulance arriving on island this summer, I’m sure it will play an invaluable role for the charity for years to come.’