PASSENGERS travelling to and from the Isle of Man have raised almost £14,000 for a local charity.

Generous passengers, who travelled to the Isle of Man by sea over the TT period, donated the amount to the Rob Vine Fund which raises money for medical and rescue equipment used around the TT course.

Medical director for the TT and Manx Grand Prix 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."

Passengers have raised £155,000 since the collections started in 1997.

The money will be used to update the two helicopters and two frontline ambulances.
 
Chief executive of the Steam Packet Company 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."