60 bags for 60 years: Flint RNLI volunteer takes on River Dee rubbish challenge

To mark 60 years of Flint Lifeboat Station, Fundraising Chair Alan Forrester has set himself a challenge with a difference – to collect 60 bags of rubbish from alongside the River Dee starting at the Welsh border and working his way down river.

Having spent many years on the River Dee, Alan has seen firsthand the amount of plastic and other rubbish that can accumulate along the riverbank. Now as Flint Lifeboat Station celebrates six decades of serving the local community, Alan wants to give something back to the river that has been such an important part of his life.

Alan says: ‘Having been on the River Dee for 60 years, I’ve seen firsthand the amount of plastic and rubbish that ends up along the banks. With the station celebrating 60 years, I thought this would be a great opportunity to go the extra mile and help clean up the river we all enjoy.’

The challenge will see Alan joined by Mike Taylor, who is one of Flintshire's well respected coastal rangers. Both Alan and Mike will work their way down the River Dee collecting rubbish helping to improve the environment for wildlife, river users and the wider community, including the lifeboat crew out on exercise and shouts.

The challenge is also being used as an opportunity to raise money for Flint RNLI, with supporters being encouraged to get behind the event. Every penny and pound raised will help fund the station’s work into its next chapter of lifesaving. You can donate by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/page/robert-alan-forrester-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL.