TT fans donate £14,000 to Manx motorsport charity

The Rob Vine fund contributes to the upkeep of the TT air ambulance service

TT fans have been praised for their "fantastic generosity" after £14,000 was donated to a charity which supports medical services for motorsport events.

The figure was collected from TT visitors for a fund set up in the name of competitor Rob Vine, from Kent, who died during the Senior race in 1985.

The money will help provide medical and rescue equipment and training for doctors, paramedics and marshals.

Dr David Stevens said the money also supported the rescue helicopters.

The annual collection, held on board Steam Packet Company vessels during the TT period, was first organised by the crew in 1995 and has since raised £190,000.

Dr Stevens, the fund's director said: "The generosity of the TT fans is fantastic.

"This is the biggest single donation that we receive each year and goes towards purchasing new equipment, which is vital to those competing in the many motorsport events that we hold in the Isle of Man.

"I would like to thank those fans who gave so generously."

Chief of the Steam Packet company Mark Woodward said: "The kindness of our passengers during the TT period is incredible."