Isle of Man TT fans boost Rob Vine Fund on 25th anniversary visit
A group of Isle of Man TT supporters handed over more than £1,000 to charity during their 25th anniversary ‘TT Tour’.
Team Hairy Snid presented a cheque for £1,042 to Doctor David Stevens of the Rob Vine Fund during race week.
The team, with the slogan 'Bikes, Beer, Craic', have been visiting the Island every year since 1988.
Team spokesman David Bleasdale said:
“We have been coming to the Island for years now, and have had such good times and made some great friends.”
“Last year we helped roadracingsupporters.com promote their annual charity road racing photography exhibition at St Ninian’s Church during the TT. They suggested we could use the Team Hairy Snid logo to raise funds and thus the ‘Brand Hairy Snid’ merchandise was launched - a range of T-shirts, hoodies and mugs, with all profits going to road racing charities.”
“They introduced us to TT rider Ian Mackman who very kindly agreed to carry our Brand Hairy Snid logo on his Superstock bike that year. We weren't able to offer him any financial support, but promised that if and when we we're able to, he would be top of our list.”
Over the winter the team was able to supply Mackman with a Supersport 600cc bike for the 2012 TT. With the generous support of Lancaster Brewery, the team held a pre-TT fundraiser night at the brewery visitors’ centre. Guests had the chance to meet ‘Mackers’ and see the Team Hairy Snid race bike, while also enjoying an open bar and live music. For every ticket sold, £5 was donated to the Rob Vine Fund and all proceeds from a prize raffle were added to the total.
Mr Bleasdale added:
“The team would like to thank Lancaster Brewery and all the bike sponsors for their valuable support, the prize donors who generously supported the raffle and Ian for his hard work, skill and dedication during his TT campaign.”