A record-breaking amount of more than £10,000 has been raised for the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club.
The money was raised from collections which took place on the Ben-my-Chree and Manannan sailings during the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling in late August-early September. The overall total of £10,532.36 smashed the 2014 record by almost £3,000.
The donations will help fund rescue helicopters, support injured riders and buy medical equipment needed to stage the road racing event.
MGPSC chairman Andrew Kneale said: ‘We are absolutely blown away by the generosity of the passengers, and so grateful to the Steam Packet Company crew members who helped organise the collections on each sailing.
‘Without the support and the time and energy of the crew members of both vessels, such an amazing amount of money would not have been collected.’
The MGP Supporters’ Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Over the years the club has donated more than £750,000 to the Manx Motorcycle Club, including a £45,000 donation towards the £100,000 cost of hiring two helicopters for this year’s festival.
Mark Woodward, of the Steam Packet Company, said: ‘The fact this year’s collections have raised such a wonderful amount shows the huge level of support there is for the MGPSC, and I’d like to thank every passenger who made a donation.
‘I’m very proud of our staff, who do such an excellent job not only getting visitors safely to and from the event, but also in organising these collections.’
The club was formed in 1975 when, at that time, the rescue helicopter was only available for two days during racing. The club’s main aim is to ensure a helicopter is on standby at all times throughout the festival.
For more information about the MGP Supporters’ Club and the Helicopter Fund visit www.manxgrandprix.org/MGP-Info/Supporters-Club