Casualties hand over donation to volunteers on rescue anniversary
On 12 April, Jared Colclough and Richard Smith returned to Exmouth lifeboat station, one year after volunteers saved their lives following the sinking of their powerboat.
Jared, a taxi driver from Taunton carries an RNLI collection box in his cab and is happy to tell passengers his story. Donations over the year amassed to £170.21, which he handed over to a selection of station volunteers who played a part in the rescue.
Jared tells how the rescue has transformed his life:
‘I’ve learnt that it’s important to prepare for every eventuality and never to assume everything’s always going to run smoothly at sea. I’m determined to improve my training and aim to do as many courses as I can, so I don’t make the same mistakes again. Having been in this situation, I have the experience and knowledge to pass on to others. As a Sea Cadet Instructor, I can give my cadets a first-hand explanation of why wearing lifejackets at sea is essential. Now I’m a second mate on board a charity’s sailing boat and now used to everyone taking the mickey out of me!’
Jared, his friends and family hope to continue fundraising for the charity that saves lives at sea, in the Taunton area. He is currently painting a campervan in lifeboat colours and aims to help spread the charity’s safety messages and Respect the Water campaign at shows throughout the summer.
Notes to Editors
**The RNLI are currently editing a video of three out of the four casualties telling their story and meeting Crew volunteer, Tim Barnes who helped pull them out of the water.**
Photo: PR130416
Casualties hand over a cheque to station volunteers who played a part in their rescue.
L to R: Deputy Launching Authority, Neil Matson; Casualties, Richard Smith and Jared Colclough; Coxswain, Steve Hockings-Thompson; Mechanic, Mark Sansom and Tractor Driver, Neil Cannon.
(credit: Exmouth RNLI)
For more information please telephone Emma Tarling, Exmouth RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07837 810082 or email: [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact Emma Haines, South Press Officer on 07786 668847.Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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