We would like to shine a light on the lesser known charities in the Isle of Man.

After the last couple of years of trying to keep afloat during a global pandemic, we’re sure local charities would love some extra support.

Our next charity is the Rob Vine Fund (Charity 954).

The fund provides medical /rescue equipment and training for doctors, paramedics and others at Manx motorsport events - namely all TT and Billown Course races, Jurby Motodrome, Onchan stockcars, enduros, car rallies etc.

We spoke to secretary and director Dr David Stevens MBE to find out more about their work.

Why / When did you form?

After Rob Vine lost his life competing in the 1985 TT’s Senior Race, I set up a hospital gift account to fund the aims shown above.

In 2005, when I retired as a Noble’s Consultant, the registered charity was set up.

We now provide equipment worth £250,000 for Manx events, excluding the value of the three Phil Hogg Rescue Ambulances.

All this equipment must be updated at an annual cost of £25,000 to comply with current best medical practice.

What has been your biggest achievement or proudest moment since forming?

Being able to make available all our medical equipment for use by the DHSC and providing our Hogg Motorsport medical technicians to cover duties with the ambulance service.

The ’proudest moment’ for me personally was being awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2003 for ’Services to Motorsport Medicine in the Isle of Man’.

What is your biggest ambition / goal for the future?

To rebuild the charity’s reserves, having lost about £150,000 over the last two years because of the loss of most motorsport events because of Covid-19.

How can people get involved?

The Rob Vine Fund’s Hogg Motorsport are looking for new recruits to work as volunteers with our three ambulances and the 17 crew providing medical cover at many Manx motorsport events.

You will need to be: over 18 years old, preferably already involved somehow in motorsport and hold a First Aid at Work certificate and a clean driving licence.

For further information contact Dr Stevens anytime on 628999 or send an email with your CV to [email protected]

where can people donate?

Our HQ is at the Hoggery in Noble’s Park which used to be The Cattery.

Our website has a donate page with the various ways of donating, at: www. robvinefund.im/donate

l We feature charities in this column across our three publications for free.

If you would like to see your charity featured, email: [email protected]