Donate now

Portaferry RNLI receives £1000 donation from Ballygalget GAC

Lifeboats News Release

Portaferry RNLI volunteers recently welcomed representatives from Ballygalget Gaelic Athletic Club (GAC) to the station where a donation of £1000 was handed over to the RNLI.

The money was raised during a cold water dip which took place at nearby Cloughey Beach during the club's Ballygalget's Better Lifestyle (BBL) initiative.


The initiative encourages club members and the local community to improve their lifestyle by taking up various fitness challenges over a number of weeks. One such challenge was their well organised fundraising charity dip.


Patricia Browne, chairperson of Portaferry fundraising guild was present at the station to receive the donation and commented: 'We wish to thank the committee and members of Ballygalget GAC for this incredible donation, and congratulations to everyone to took up the BBL challenges especially those who went into the water to raise this money.'


Portaferry RNLI water safety officer, John McAleese who visited the club and delivered a talk on how to stay safe in and around the water during the club's BBL initiative, added: 'This is the second water safety talk Ballygalget GAC have organised, both have been well supported. It was great to see the club encouraging not only their members but also the local community to attend the water safety talk and help raise awareness of the simple steps needed to enjoy the water safely.'


'I attended the swim, but just watched from the shore. It was a great event for everyone in the community and I thank the members of Ballygalget GAC for organising it and inviting me along.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

Categories