Isle of Man Steam Packet Company passengers have raised almost ?14,000 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. Since the initiative started in 1997 around ?155,000 has been raised. Medical Director for the TT and MGP races, Dr David Stevens MBE said: “When Captain Tommy Harrison first arranged the collections on the boats way back in the 1990s, we never had any idea how significant the contributions from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company collections would be to the Rob Vine Fund. Since that time the money raised annually has helped considerably in operating the TT course and purchasing equipment and without the co-operation of the Steam Packet Company it would be a great loss to the Rob Vine Fund.” 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: “This is such a vital and important cause and each year the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is delighted to show its support for such a worthwhile charity. The work they do is vital and without the Rob Vine Fund the Island’s famous TT and Manx Grand Prix races would not be able to take place.” Ends